Tragic Incident at Hersheypark: A Young Life Lost
A 9-year-old girl who passed away after being pulled from the wave pool at Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark has been identified as a local resident from Harrisburg. While her name has not been disclosed publicly, community leaders have confirmed that she was a cherished member of the Bhutanese community in the area.
The incident occurred when the young girl was in distress in the wave pool, according to authorities. The park’s CEO, John Lawn, expressed deep sorrow for the family and emphasized the importance of respecting their privacy during this difficult time. “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss,” he stated.
Hersheypark released an official statement on Saturday, acknowledging the efforts of the park staff and offering condolences to the grieving family. “We can confirm that the incident occurred at the wave pool within The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. The wave pool will remain closed today out of respect for the family and appreciation for our team members who worked valiantly to save the life of the guest,” the statement read.
At the time of the incident, there were over 100 trained lifeguards at the park, including 10 dedicated specifically to the wave pool. These lifeguards had undergone specialized training, including deep-water lifeguarding, Basic Life Support, AED use, CPR, and First Aid. Additionally, the park offers complimentary life vests to all guests as part of its commitment to water safety.
The young girl, described as full of promise, innocence, and joy, is being remembered by members of her community. Tilak Niroula, chairman of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg, shared heartfelt words on the group’s Facebook page. “At just nine years old, she was full of promise, innocence, and joy – a light in the lives of all who knew her,” he said. “Her sudden and tragic departure has left a deep void in our hearts and in the community she was so warmly a part of.”
The girl was visiting The Boardwalk at Hersheypark on Thursday, July 24, when she became distressed in the water. According to the park’s parent company CEO, the lifeguard team immediately responded with rescue efforts and coordinated life-saving actions. Despite these efforts, the young girl was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The cause of death remains unclear, and the Derry Township Police Department and Dauphin County Coroner’s Office are conducting an investigation. Park officials have pledged to fully cooperate and conduct an internal review of the incident. “We are still on the early stages of this process, and we are working to gather all of the facts in the incident,” the police department stated. “Our thoughts and our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon.”
This tragic event marks the first fatality at Hersheypark since 1977. The Boardwalk area features 16 water attractions, including a large wave pool called ‘The Shore,’ which holds 378,000 gallons of water and reaches a depth of six feet. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about water safety and the measures in place at public attractions.
