Tragedy at Hersheypark: 9-Year-Old Dies After Incident In Wave Pool
A 9-year-old child tragically died Thursday night after an incident in the wave pool at Hersheypark, Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park, officials confirmed.
According to Hersheypark representatives, the child was pulled from the wave pool and rushed to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center after first responders, lifeguards, and on-site medical staff attempted lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” said John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”
In the wake of the incident, park officials closed the wave pool on Friday out of respect for the grieving family. The wave pool is a central feature of The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a sprawling water park with 16 attractions that collectively hold more than one million gallons of water—including a 378,000-gallon wave pool, multiple water slides, and a lazy river.
At the time of the incident, the park had 10 lifeguards assigned specifically to the wave pool, and more than 100 certified lifeguards stationed across the water park. Park officials emphasized that lifeguards are extensively trained in deep-water rescue, CPR, AED use, oxygen support, and first aid.
Hersheypark says it will launch a full investigation and is cooperating with the Derry Township Police Department and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, who are leading the inquiry.
“We are still in the early stages of this process, and we are working to gather all of the facts,” police said in a statement.
Lawn added that the park is committed to honoring the child’s memory by continuing to prioritize safety for all guests.
