Overview
- An inflatable boat lost stability at Twistesee on 12 August and three children fell into the water, one of whom was later recovered and died despite resuscitation efforts.
- An autopsy confirmed the nine-year-old boy from Wuppertal died by drowning.
- On 7 September the Kassel public prosecutor opened a formal investigation on the initial suspicion (Anfangsverdacht) of negligent homicide against the unnamed caretaker.
- Korbach’s specialized K10 unit is leading the probe with support from Wuppertal police while investigators interview witnesses and carry out technical checks of the boat to determine why it lost stability.
- Authorities say the boy was not wearing a life jacket, they currently do not assume a sudden air loss caused the capsize, and the outcome of witness statements and technical findings will determine if criminal charges follow.