9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s

9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk Water Park: Full Details and Safety Concerns

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A 9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk water park despite lifeguards’ rescue efforts. Learn what happened, past incidents, and safety measures at the Pennsylvania amusement park.

9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk Water Park: Tragic Details Revealed

9-Year-Old Dies

Introduction

A devastating tragedy unfolded on July 24, 2025, when a 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk water park. Despite immediate action by lifeguards and emergency medical staff, the young child could not be saved. This heartbreaking incident has sparked widespread concern about water park safety standards and prompted an internal investigation by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

What Happened When the 9-Year-Old Died at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk?

According to Hershey Entertainment CEO John Lawn, lifeguards noticed the child struggling in the water and rushed to perform an immediate rescue. The child was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, but tragically, the 9-year-old died at Hersheypark’s water park despite all life-saving efforts.

“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” said Lawn in an official statement. “We extend our deepest condolences.”

The Boardwalk: Where the Tragedy Occurred

The incident took place in The Boardwalk, a water-themed section of Hersheypark featuring attractions such as:

  • Whitecap Racer – the world’s longest mat racing slides
  • The Shore – a 378,000-gallon wave pool with six-foot depth
  • Family splash areas and lazy rivers

While officials confirmed the tragedy, the exact ride or attraction where the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s water park has not been disclosed.

Cause of Death Still Unknown

The official cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities and Hersheypark management have pledged a thorough investigation into how this incident occurred and what can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Hersheypark’s Response After the 9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s Water Park

Hershey Entertainment CEO John Lawn reassured the public:

“Safety and well-being drive every decision we make. We will conduct a full internal review and honor the memory of this young guest.”

The park confirmed that lifeguards complete a 24-hour certification program and continue training with 4+ hours of monthly drills, highlighting that safety is a top priority even before this 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s attraction.

Past Incidents Before the 9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk

Fatal incidents at Hersheypark are extremely rare. This is only the second death in the park’s 119-year history:

  • 1977: A 16-year-old employee died while working on the SooperdooperLooper coaster.
  • 2025: The recent tragedy where a 9-year-old died at Hersheypark’s water park.

Why Did the 9-Year-Old Die at Hersheypark’s Water Park? Possible Reasons

Experts suggest the following possible factors:

  • Medical emergencies (cardiac arrest, seizures)
  • Inability to swim or loss of flotation support
  • Water depth misjudgment
  • Fatigue or heat-related stress

The 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk case highlights the importance of parental supervision and strict adherence to park guidelines.

What Happens Next After the 9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s Water Park?

Following this tragedy, Hersheypark is likely to:

  • Review lifeguard staffing levels and training
  • Assess safety measures at wave pools and slides
  • Revisit height and age restrictions for certain attractions

Law enforcement is expected to cooperate with Hershey Entertainment during the investigation into how the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s occurred.

Community Response and Public Reaction

The incident where the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk shocked both locals and regular visitors. Social media has been filled with condolences and calls for enhanced water safety awareness at amusement parks nationwide.

Safety Tips for Families Visiting Water Parks

After the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s attraction, experts recommend:
✔ Always supervise children, even in shallow water
✔ Ensure kids wear life jackets if they are weak swimmers
✔ Follow all posted safety rules
✔ Take frequent breaks to prevent fatigue
✔ Teach children basic water survival skills

FAQs About the 9-Year-Old Dies at Hersheypark’s Tragedy

1. Where did the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s incident happen?

It happened in The Boardwalk water park section, but the specific attraction has not been revealed.

2. When did the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk?

The incident occurred on July 24, 2025.

3. Is Hersheypark open after the 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s water park?

Yes, but management is conducting a full internal review.

4. Has anything like this happened before?

Yes, but only once before in 1977, making this the second fatal incident in the park’s history.

5. What safety measures exist at The Boardwalk?

Lifeguards undergo 24 hours of initial training, monthly refreshers, and emergency drills.

Conclusion

The heartbreaking case where a 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk water park is a tragic reminder of how vital safety protocols and constant vigilance are in recreational settings. Hersheypark has vowed to fully investigate and enhance its safety systems to prevent future incidents.

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