A heartbreaking incident occurred at The Boardwalk inside Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, where a 9-year-old child tragically lost their life. This incident was confirmed by John Lawn, the CEO of Hersheypark, who expressed deep sorrow over the child's passing.
The unfortunate event took place on Thursday evening at the popular amusement park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lawn stated that the child was “tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark,” which features an array of water attractions. The park's lifeguard team promptly responded as soon as they noticed the child was in distress, performing an immediate rescue.
Following the initial response, continuous and coordinated life-saving efforts were conducted by the park's lifeguards, on-site first responders, and medical personnel. Despite these efforts, the child was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where unfortunately, they were pronounced dead.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Lawn expressed, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family.” He extended his deepest condolences for their loss and emphasized that personal details about the child will not be released out of respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark boasts 16 different water attractions, including the world-famous Whitecap Racer, which is known as the longest mat racing slide globally. Additionally, it features a massive 378,000-gallon wave pool called “The Shore,” which reaches depths of six feet. This emphasis on thrilling experiences makes The Boardwalk a popular destination for families visiting the park.
Lawn reiterated the park's commitment to guest safety, stating, “The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority.” He announced that a thorough internal review will be conducted in the coming days, alongside full cooperation with local authorities regarding the ongoing investigation into the child's death.
As the community grieves this tragic loss, Lawn requested privacy for both the family affected and the team members at Hersheypark who are also grappling with the emotional impact of the incident. He assured visitors, “To every family that visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make.”
The investigation into this tragic occurrence remains open, and updates will be provided as appropriate. Lawn concluded by reaffirming the park’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all guests, noting that they will honor the memory of the young guest by enhancing safety measures at Hersheypark.
