9-Year-Old Boy Tragically Dies at The Boardwalk Area of Hersheypark

A summer day filled with joy and excitement turned into a devastating tragedy at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, where a 9-year-old child lost their life after an incident in the water park area known as The Boardwalk. The child, whose name and gender have not been publicly released, was visiting the park on Thursday, July 24, when they became distressed in the water.

Lifeguards quickly noticed the emergency and launched an immediate rescue operation. Despite their swift and tireless efforts—alongside on-site first responders and medical staff—the child was later pronounced dead at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The tragic event has shaken the community and prompted a heartfelt response from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CEO John Lawn, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He praised the efforts of the park’s emergency response team and emphasized the company’s commitment to safety.

“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” Lawn said in his public statement. He also made it clear that out of respect for the grieving family, no personal details would be released, including the name of the child or the specific attraction involved.

A Swift Rescue and Heartbreaking Outcome

The incident occurred at The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s expansive water park area that features 16 water attractions, including a 378,000-gallon wave pool, winding lazy river, and water slides like the Whitecap Racer, touted as the longest mat racing slide in the world. The park is designed to evoke the feeling of an ocean-side vacation nestled in the hills of Hershey, but the cheerful ambiance was shattered when lifeguards spotted the child in distress.

According to Lawn’s statement, the park’s lifeguard team responded immediately, executing a swift rescue operation. Trained medical personnel at the scene administered continuous life-saving procedures as the child was quickly transported to the nearby Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Unfortunately, despite every effort made by first responders and medical teams, the child could not be revived.

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No further details were given regarding how the incident occurred, what specific attraction was involved, or whether there were any pre-existing health conditions. Hersheypark has stated that it will conduct an internal review and will cooperate fully with authorities during the investigation. Lawn assured the public that safety is “our highest priority,” and that the park will continue working to ensure that such an incident never happens again.

A Rare Tragedy in Hersheypark’s Long History

Hersheypark, established in 1907, has long been considered one of the safest and most family-friendly amusement parks in the United States. Tragic incidents at the park are extremely rare. According to local news outlet Lebanon Daily News, the last death associated with the park occurred in 1977 and involved a maintenance worker rather than a guest. The death of the 9-year-old child marks a deeply sorrowful event in the park’s otherwise safe legacy.

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For visitors and local residents, the event is a grim reminder of the risks that can still exist, even in places designed for carefree enjoyment. The community has responded with an outpouring of support for the child’s family. Although the family has not made a public statement, Hersheypark has requested privacy on their behalf and for their own staff, many of whom were personally affected by the traumatic event.

The rarity of such an incident highlights just how seriously Hersheypark takes safety and how committed its leadership is to learning from the tragedy. As part of its response, the park plans a thorough internal review of procedures and emergency protocols. Lawn emphasized that this review will help reinforce the park’s safety standards and honor the memory of the young guest who lost their life.

Commitment to Healing and Responsibility

In the days following the incident, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has pledged to support not only the grieving family but also the employees and first responders who were involved in the rescue attempt. The emotional toll of such an event is profound, particularly for those who work daily to ensure the safety of guests. “As we grieve alongside our community,” Lawn said, “we ask for privacy for the family and for our team members who are deeply affected by this loss.”

The company has not released a timeline for when the internal investigation will conclude but has promised to keep the public informed as appropriate. Lawn stated that the tragic death will serve as a somber motivation to review and improve all safety protocols across the park.

Many other amusement parks have faced similar tragedies in recent years, prompting broader conversations about water park safety. Just weeks before this incident, a toddler died in a separate water park incident after falling from a slide while in a parent’s arms. In another case, a man sustained injuries on a water slide after exceeding the ride’s weight limit. These cases have raised questions not only about park procedures but also about guest behavior and the need for clearer safety guidelines.

In his closing remarks, Lawn reiterated the park’s ongoing responsibility to the public: “To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make.” That statement reflects not only sorrow but a call to action—an acknowledgment that while some tragedies may not be preventable, every effort must be made to reduce risks and protect lives.

As the investigation unfolds and the park continues its season, this heartbreaking incident will remain a painful memory for all involved. It serves as a stark reminder that even in places built for happiness, vigilance and preparedness must never waver. The Hersheypark community, employees, and families around the country mourn the loss of a young life that ended far too soon.