9-Year-Old Dies After Incident at Hersheypark Water Park
A tragic incident occurred at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania on Thursday, where a 9-year-old child lost their life. The child was found in distress at The Boardwalk, the park’s water park area, specifically in the wave pool.
According to Hersheypark CEO John Lawn, lifeguards quickly rescued the child and immediately began life-saving efforts, with help from on-site medical staff and first responders. The child was rushed to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, but sadly, they could not be saved.
In a statement, Hersheypark confirmed the incident took place in the wave pool, which remained closed the following day as a mark of respect. Lawn shared his “deepest condolences” with the child’s family and praised the staff for their efforts.
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Authorities, including Derry Township Police and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, are now investigating. The exact cause of the child’s death has not yet been shared, but Hersheypark has promised a full internal review and is cooperating fully with officials.
Police said they are still in the early stages of the investigation and expressed sympathy for the young victim’s loved ones.
Hersheypark, a well-known amusement park founded 119 years ago, opened its water park, The Boardwalk, in 2007. It includes 16 water attractions and had over 100 trained lifeguards on duty, including 10 at the wave pool during the incident.
CEO John Lawn reassured visitors that guest safety is a top priority. “We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing to focus on safety at Hersheypark,” he said.
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