Tragedy at Hersheypark: 9-year-old guest dies at Boardwalk water park
25 july 2025 в 16:13
Officials from Hersheypark confirmed that a 9-year-old guest died at their «Boardwalk» water park on Thursday, July 24. No personal information about the child or family was disclosed. John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, released a statement announcing the tragedy.
«Our hearts are broken for this child and their family», - Lawn wrote in a public statement posted on Hersheypark’s Facebook account. «We express our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not disclose any personal information at this time».
As more details emerge, stay updated on the incident and find out what happened below.
The «Boardwalk» water park is located west of Hershey’s Chocolate Town. It opened in 2007 and offers 16 different water attractions for guests.
The last known death at Hersheypark was in 1977, according to the Lebanon Daily News. A 16-year-old summer park worker was struck by a new roller coaster after the ride was accidentally launched. Despite immediate medical assistance, the teenager was pronounced dead at the Hershey Medical Center.
It is unclear if the child drowned, but Lawn indicated in his public statement that the guest was «in distress».
«Tonight, a 9-year-old guest tragically passed away at the Boardwalk water park at Hersheypark», - Lawn began his statement. «From the moment our lifeguard team learned the child was in distress, they immediately conducted a rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated efforts to save the life of our lifeguards, on-site medical personnel, and medical staff».
Hersheypark officials did not disclose any other details about the child’s death, although the guest was quickly transported to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
«To every family visiting Hersheypark, please know: your safety and well-being determine every decision we make», - Lawn continued in his statement. «We are carefully investigating this tragedy and honoring the memory of this young guest, while continuing to focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark».
Lawn promised that Hersheypark «will provide updates as needed» and «conduct a thorough internal analysis and fully cooperate with authorities»
«Our hearts are broken for this child and their family», - Lawn wrote in a public statement posted on Hersheypark’s Facebook account. «We express our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not disclose any personal information at this time».
As more details emerge, stay updated on the incident and find out what happened below.
The «Boardwalk» water park is located west of Hershey’s Chocolate Town. It opened in 2007 and offers 16 different water attractions for guests.
The last known death at Hersheypark was in 1977, according to the Lebanon Daily News. A 16-year-old summer park worker was struck by a new roller coaster after the ride was accidentally launched. Despite immediate medical assistance, the teenager was pronounced dead at the Hershey Medical Center.
It is unclear if the child drowned, but Lawn indicated in his public statement that the guest was «in distress».
«Tonight, a 9-year-old guest tragically passed away at the Boardwalk water park at Hersheypark», - Lawn began his statement. «From the moment our lifeguard team learned the child was in distress, they immediately conducted a rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated efforts to save the life of our lifeguards, on-site medical personnel, and medical staff».
Hersheypark officials did not disclose any other details about the child’s death, although the guest was quickly transported to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
«To every family visiting Hersheypark, please know: your safety and well-being determine every decision we make», - Lawn continued in his statement. «We are carefully investigating this tragedy and honoring the memory of this young guest, while continuing to focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark».
Lawn promised that Hersheypark «will provide updates as needed» and «conduct a thorough internal analysis and fully cooperate with authorities»
© Smirnova Olga
