9-Year-Old Died After Wave Pool Incident at Hersheypark. There Were 10 Lifeguards Present: Officials

9-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Incident at Hersheypark’s Wave Pool

A devastating incident at Hersheypark’s wave pool has left a 9-year-old child dead, officials confirmed. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday, July 24, at The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s water park in Pennsylvania. The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly experienced distress while in the water, leading to a swift response from the park’s lifeguard team. Despite their immediate rescue efforts and the involvement of on-site first responders and medical personnel, the child was unable to recover.

Hersheypark’s CEO, John Lawn, expressed profound sorrow over the heartbreaking loss, emphasizing the concerted efforts made to save the child. The wave pool, where the incident took place, will be closed on Friday, July 25, as a mark of respect for the family and in recognition of the heroic actions of the park team during the rescue.

The park has underlined its unwavering commitment to water safety, noting that there were over 100 trained lifeguards on duty at the time of the tragic event, with 10 dedicated to the wave pool area. These lifeguards had undergone rigorous training in deep-water lifeguarding, Basic Life Support, AED use, CPR, and First Aid, highlighting the park’s stringent safety protocols.

The water park section of Hersheypark boasts a range of attractions, including 16 water rides and pools, such as a 378,000-gallon wave pool, slides, a lazy river, and the Whitecap Racer slide. Following the incident, the Derry Township Police Department, together with the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

In a heartfelt message, Hersheypark’s CEO reassured the public of the company’s dedication to conducting a thorough internal review and cooperating fully with the authorities. The park extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and urged privacy for all those affected by the tragedy. As a lasting tribute to the young guest, the park pledged to uphold its standards of guest safety and vigilance in all operations.

As the community and park staff mourn the loss, Hersheypark remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors. In the wake of this tragic event, the park has affirmed its resolve to investigate the incident comprehensively and honour the memory of the young guest by maintaining a steadfast focus on guest safety at all times.__);​

The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, emphasising the importance of gathering all relevant facts before drawing conclusions. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in all recreational settings, as families and park visitors come to terms with the profound tragedy that unfolded at Hersheypark.