Heroic Father Who Rescued Young Boy from Hersheypark Monorail Track Says ‘Dad Instincts Kicked In’

Heroic Dad Saves Boy from Hersheypark Monorail Track

A heroic father who rescued a young boy from the monorail track at Hersheypark has spoken out about the incident, shedding light on the harrowing moments that led to the dramatic rescue. John Sampson, the quick-thinking dad, shared how his instincts kicked in when he saw the child in danger at the amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The heart-pounding event unfolded on Saturday, Aug. 30, as visitors at Hersheypark were shocked to see a little boy wandering alone on the elevated monorail track high above the park. The child had reportedly been separated from his mother and managed to access the closed monorail station, which was not operational at that time.

Witnesses captured the tense moments on video as the confused boy made his way along the tracks, prompting panic among onlookers who raced to guide him to safety. However, it was the swift and fearless actions of John Sampson that truly saved the day. In an interview with local outlet Fox 43, Sampson revealed that his fatherly instincts immediately took over, propelling him to quickly devise a plan to reach the child.

Sampson described the intense moments before the rescue, stating, “Dad instincts kicked in, and then [I was] just trying to figure things out and how to get up there as fast as possible.” Without a moment to spare, Sampson leaped into action, climbing onto the roof of a building before reaching the boy on the monorail track and safely bringing him back to solid ground.

The heartwarming rescue was met with cheers and relief from the gathered crowd as Sampson cradled the uninjured child in his arms. Reflecting on the experience, Sampson shared, “[I felt] relief, absolute relief, and even I could feel it in him — the relief as soon as he got into my arms.”

Following the incident, park officials swiftly reunited the boy with his family, ensuring his safety and well-being. The speed and efficiency of the response were crucial in averting a potential disaster, with only 23 minutes elapsing between the child being reported missing and his joyful reunion with loved ones.

In the aftermath of the heart-stopping rescue, the boy’s family reached out to express their gratitude to Sampson for his bravery and quick thinking. The hero dad humbly accepted their thanks, emphasizing the importance of the child being safely reunited with his loved ones as the ultimate outcome of the day’s events.

Looking ahead, Hersheypark has announced plans to review the security measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The park’s commitment to ensuring guest safety remains steadfast, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of vigilance and response to any emergency situations.

The heartwarming story of the hero dad who leapt into action to save a child in peril serves as a reminder of the selflessness and bravery that can emerge in times of crisis. Sampson’s quick actions and unwavering determination embody the essence of true heroism, leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed the remarkable rescue at Hersheypark.