12-Year-Old Boy Dies on Kansas Water Park Ride

A 12-year-old boy was killed today in an accident on a ride at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas, officials said.

The Verruckt ride and the entire park were closed for a full investigation, Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said.

"We are saddened to share that a young boy died on Verrückt this afternoon," Prosapio said. "Given that safety is our first priority, we have closed the Kansas City park today and Monday and have closed the ride pending a full investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time."

Prosapio said she did not know the boy's age, but Kansas City police told ABC News he was 12 years old.

The boy's family was with him at the time and were still at the park, Prosapio said late this afternoon.

She said it was not yet clear how the accident occurred, and the ride was inspected for weeks before the water park opened for the summer.

The Verruckt water slide, which is promoted as the world's tallest water slide, opened in 2014.