A 9-year-old girl from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has died after being pulled from a wave pool at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk water attraction on the evening of Thursday, July 24. The young victim, whose name has not been made public “out of respect for the family,” was part of the area’s Bhutanese community, where she is being remembered as “a light in the lives of all who knew her.”
According to Hersheypark officials, the child was “in distress” in the wave pool when she was spotted by lifeguards, prompting an immediate rescue. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as lifeguards blew their whistles and began administering CPR on a poolside gurney, while park staff attempted to shield onlookers from the unfolding emergency. The temperature at the time was a sweltering 92 degrees.
“There was an intense focus from the rescue team,” one witness told WGAL-TV. “They did everything they could.”
The child was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Community Devastated
The Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg expressed deep sorrow following the tragedy. Tilak Niroula, chairman of the board, issued a heartfelt message via social media.
“At just nine years old, she was full of promise, innocence, and joy – a light in the lives of all who knew her,” Niroula wrote. “Her sudden and tragic departure has left a deep void in our hearts and in the community she was so warmly a part of. Our entire community is grieving alongside the family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Investigation Underway
The Derry Township Police Department and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the cause of the child’s death. Park officials have stated that they are “fully cooperating” and will also conduct an internal review.
In a statement, the Derry Township Police said, “We are still in the early stages of this process, and we are working to gather all of the facts in the incident. Our thoughts and our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon.”
Hersheypark Responds
John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, extended his condolences: “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.”
The park praised the efforts of its trained staff. At the time of the incident, there were more than 100 certified lifeguards on duty, including 10 specifically assigned to the wave pool area known as “The Shore” — a 378,000-gallon pool with depths reaching six feet.
According to Hersheypark, lifeguards stationed at the wave pool undergo specialized training through the Ellis & Associates (E&A) program, which includes deep-water lifeguarding, CPR, AED usage, oxygen support, and Basic Life Support.
“The wave pool will remain closed today out of respect for the family and deep appreciation of our team members who worked so valiantly in their efforts to save the life of the guest,” the park said in an updated statement.
A Tragic First in Decades
This incident marks the first fatality at Hersheypark since 1977. The Boardwalk section of the park, which opened in 2007, includes 16 water attractions and is a major draw during the summer season.
As the investigation continues, the Hershey community and the broader region are left reeling from the heartbreaking loss of a young girl whose life, described as “full of joy and potential,” ended far too soon. Memorials and tributes have begun to appear on social media, reflecting the outpouring of grief and support for the family.