Update | Wave Pool Reopens After 9-Year-Old's Tragic Death at Hersheypark

Hersheypark Wave Pool Reopens After Tragic Incident

Hersheypark, a popular amusement park in Pennsylvania, has reopened its wave pool following a tragic incident that led to the death of a 9-year-old girl. The pool was closed on Friday as a gesture of respect for the child’s family and the staff who tried to save her life. On Sunday, July 27, visitors were once again allowed to enjoy the wave pool.

The Derry Township police chief confirmed that the child involved was a 9-year-old girl, though her name has not been disclosed. According to an updated statement from Hersheypark, there were 10 lifeguards assigned to the wave pool at the time of the incident. The park's CEO, John Lawn, stated that the lifeguard team acted quickly upon noticing the child in distress. They initiated an immediate rescue and worked alongside first responders and medical personnel in their efforts to save the child.

The girl was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she later passed away. In a statement, the park expressed deep sorrow for the loss and extended condolences to the family. They also mentioned that they would be conducting an internal review of the incident and cooperating with authorities. The Derry Township police are assisting in the investigation.

Witness Accounts and Emotional Impact

A witness who wished to remain anonymous shared their experience with local media. They described seeing a limp child being pulled from the wave pool. "It was 92 degrees and my family had just arrived when I saw a child being pulled, limp, from the wave pool," the witness said. A lifeguard attempted CPR but was unable to revive the child. The witness added that staff tried to shield onlookers from the trauma, but the emotional weight of the moment was overwhelming.

This incident has left many people deeply affected, including those who were not directly involved. As one person put it, "Even strangers are grieving."

About The Boardwalk at Hersheypark

The Boardwalk is Hersheypark's water park, featuring 16 attractions such as slides, a lazy river, and the wave pool. The park emphasizes safety by limiting the number of guests in each attraction and may implement timed swim sessions to ensure a safe environment for all visitors. However, the exact location of the incident within The Boardwalk has not yet been disclosed.

Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, spans over 121 acres and has a rich history. It originally opened in 1906 as a place for picnicking, boating, and canoeing. In 1971, the park underwent a transformation into one of America’s most popular theme parks. Today, it offers more than 70 rides, including 15 roller coasters, a water park, and a zoo.

Ongoing Updates and Community Response

Local news outlets continue to cover the story, providing updates as more information becomes available. The community has shown support for the family, with many expressing their condolences and concern for the well-being of the park's staff.

As the investigation continues, Hersheypark remains committed to ensuring the safety of its guests and will take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed and follow official communications from the park.

The tragedy has reminded many of the importance of vigilance and quick action in emergency situations. While the details of this incident are still unfolding, the focus remains on supporting the affected family and learning from the event to enhance safety measures at the park.