A terrible accident happened on Thursday evening at Hersheypark in PA. A 9-year-old child died after an emergency at the Boardwalk waterpark.
Hersheypark CEO John Lawn, in a statement, confirmed the death of the child, calling it the loss of a young guest. The child was having trouble in the water, and lifeguards responded immediately.
Lawn stated: “Once the child was seen by any one of the lifeguards in danger, an immediate rescue was initiated.”
Thereafter, the lifeguards supported the on-site responders and medical personnel in saving the child. No matter their attempt to save the child, the child had to be declared dead. The child was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where they were declared dead.
Lifeguards Responded Right Away
Lifeguards saw the emergency and moved fast. Medical teams worked together to apply life-saving measures.
According to Lawn, it was said, “They did an immediate rescue, and then the coordinated life-saving effort happened.
Despite quick response and fast transport, the child’s life could not be saved. Doctors at the medical center pronounced the child dead after all efforts failed.
Also read: What are the Epstein Files? White House Responds to Shocking Claims
Park Won’t Release Personal Info
In his statement, Lawn didn’t release any personal details. He didn’t give the child’s name or the ride involved. He said to respect the family.
Lawn said. “We’re so sorry for their loss.”
Park officials won’t release any information about the child’s death.
The Boardwalk: A Water Park with Many Attractions
There are lots of water rides in the Boardwalk based according to the website of Hersheypark. It has the Whitecap Racer, which is the longest mat racing water slide in the world.
It also has The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool with a 6-foot depth. Guests come to The Boardwalk every summer to ride, swim and slide.10 water rides in total.
Safety First, Says CEO John Lawn
Lawn told families that Hersheypark puts safety first. He reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to guests.
“Guest safety has always been our number one priority,” Lawn said. He promised transparency and a thorough review in the coming days.
Park management will conduct an internal review of the entire event. The park has driven us to agree to cooperate fully with public officers handling the case.
Park Leaders Express Condolences and Support to the Community
Lawn acknowledged the emotional impact on everyone involved. He recognized not just the family but also the team members affected.
The statement showed sympathy and collective grief within the Hersheypark community. Lawn said they would provide updates when possible.
“We will support everyone involved,” Lawn added.
Ongoing Investigation into the Tragedy
The authorities have not concluded the necessary investigation into the child’s death.. The park has not released details on what happened.
Lawn declared that the company would provide authorities with full support.. He said they will do an internal review along with the official process.
The company will look into the entire sequence of events and the park’s response. All staff involved will be part of the inquiry.
Hersheypark Reminds Families: Safety First
In his final statement, Lawn addressed families planning to visit the park. He wanted to reassure guests that every decision is about safety.
“Lawn said they will honor the guest’s memory by focusing even more on guest protection.
A Harsh Reminder of Water Safety
The tragedy has hit the staff, community and leadership at Hersheypark hard. Park visitors are mourning with the family.
The guest’s name is not being released. The ride is not being named. The park is open while the review is ongoing.
Impact on Hersheypark Staff and Community
The incident affected not only the child’s family but the entire Hersheypark community. John Lawn acknowledged the emotional toll the drowning took on the park’s staff. Lifeguards, medical teams and on-site personnel worked hard to save the child. But they couldn’t.
Lawn said team members who responded directly are also grieving. The entire Hersheypark team is in collective grief. He asked for privacy not only for the grieving family but for the staff.
The local community is also hurting. Guests and families visiting The Boardwalk are expressing their condolences. The park is open, but it’s a somber environment. Flowers and guest messages are popping up all over the park.
They know some moments change entire communities. The drowning of a child is one of those moments for Hersheypark.
Also read: Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute 2025 Escalates
Water Safety and Ride Procedures
Since the child’s death, Hersheypark has turned its attention to safety. They will look at current procedures, especially inside the Boardwalk water park.
The Boardwalk has multiple water rides. Wave pools to racing slides. One pool is 6 feet deep. While fun and exciting, these attractions require close supervision. Hersheypark says they prioritize safety, and this will be the test.
John Lawn said they will be transparent in the coming days. He spoke, they have to understand when the event happened. Management will work with authorities while they review their team’s response. Lifeguards responded immediately. Medical responders worked together. But something went wrong.
The incident puts water ride procedures under the microscope. Park leadership may introduce new protocols after the internal review. They may retrain lifeguards or revise guest safety briefings. Lawn said guest safety will remain the park’s top priority. All will be looked at. Period.
To Support our independent investigative journalism contributions are welcome via Cashapp to: $BlackStarNews
Also support Black Star News by buying merch from our brand new Black Star Store!
