A tragic incident unfolded at Hersheypark’s water park in Pennsylvania on Thursday, resulting in the death of a 9-year-old child. Despite the immediate response and rescue efforts by the park’s lifeguards, the young guest could not be saved. The child was quickly transported to the nearby Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He stated that the park’s staff and management were heartbroken over the child’s death and extended their deepest condolences to the grieving family. The specific location within the park where the incident occurred was not disclosed by Lawn.
The Boardwalk, the park’s water-themed attraction where the incident took place, boasts 16 different water features. Located in the northern section of the 119-year-old amusement park, The Boardwalk is home to the world’s longest mat racing slides, the Whitecap Racer, and a 378,000-gallon wave pool known as The Shore, which reaches a depth of 6 feet.
The identity of the child and the cause of death have not been released. Lawn assured that an internal review will be conducted in the coming days and the park will fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation.
Lawn emphasized the park’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its guests. He stated that the park will thoroughly investigate the incident and continue to prioritize guest safety in honor of the young victim. The park’s lifeguards are required to complete a 24-hour training course and maintain at least four hours of continued education per month of employment, as per the company’s safety regulations.
This unfortunate incident marks the second death attributed to an attraction at the century-old park. The first occurred in 1977 when a 16-year-old employee was fatally run over while working on the park’s first inverted ride, the SooperdooperLooper. Over the years, there have been several injuries reported at the park, but no other fatalities on the rides.