Child Dies at Hersheypark Water Park

A nine-year-old child has died following an incident at Hersheypark’s water park in Pennsylvania. Despite immediate efforts to save the young visitor, the child succumbed shortly after being rushed to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Hershey Entertainment’s CEO, John Lawn, stated that lifeguards responded swiftly when they observed the child in distress at The Boardwalk attraction. The lifeguards performed an immediate rescue, but unfortunately, the child did not survive. Lawn expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest sympathies for their loss.”

The park has not disclosed the specific attraction where the incident occurred. The Boardwalk features 16 water attractions, including the world’s longest mat racing slides, Whitecap Racer, and a large wave pool called The Shore, which reaches depths of 6 feet.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the tragedy, and Lawn indicated that an internal review will be conducted in the upcoming days. The park plans to cooperate fully with investigators.

While the child’s identity remains private and the cause of death undetermined, the incident marks only the second fatality linked to an attraction at the park’s 119-year history. The previous incident occurred in 1977 when a teenager was fatally struck while repairing the park’s first inverted coaster, the SooperdooperLooper.

Lifeguards at Hersheypark are required to complete a 24-hour training course and stay current with ongoing education to ensure safety standards are met. The park reiterated its commitment to guest safety despite the recent tragedy.