A 9-year-old child died on Thursday at the The Boardwalk water park at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, according to the company. The child, whose identity has not been released, was initially found unresponsive by staff and was administered emergency care. Lifeguards and first responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the child was declared dead at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, issued a heartfelt statement expressing the company’s sadness over the incident. ‘Tonight, a nine-year-old guest was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark,’ he said. ‘Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.’
Lawn emphasized that the safety of guests is the company’s highest priority. ‘To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make,’ he said. ‘We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark.’
The Boardwalk, a popular water attraction at Hersheypark, features 16 different water attractions, including the ‘Whitecap Racer’ water slide and ‘The Shore,’ a 378,000-gallon wave pool. A company spokesperson confirmed that an internal review is already underway, and that the company would fully cooperate with authorities in their investigation into the incident.
Lawn did not disclose the specific attraction where the incident occurred, citing respect for the child’s family and acknowledging the privacy of the child’s identity. The company has also chosen not to reveal any personal details, as a sign of respect for the family at this difficult time. The child’s family is reportedly receiving support from the company and the local community.