9-year-old child dies following incident at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk

A tragic incident at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk water park has resulted in the death of a 9-year-old child, officials confirmed. The heartbreaking event occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, July 24, at one of the family-friendly park’s popular aquatic attractions.

Incident details and immediate response

According to initial reports from Hersheypark, the child was involved in an incident while enjoying the water park area. Emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene and provided urgent care before transporting the child to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, the child later passed away.

The park promptly notified the family and has expressed deep condolences. “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” said John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.”

Park safety and investigation

The park has temporarily closed select areas as the incident is under review. Both Hersheypark management and local law enforcement agencies are actively investigating to determine the cause and any contributing factors.


Hershey Entertainment also remarked:

“We are devastated by this event and are doing everything possible to assist in the investigation. The safety and well-being of our guests is of utmost importance, and we continue to work with experts to ensure a safe environment.”

Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a premier amusement and water park destination attracting millions of visitors annually. The Boardwalk area features water slides, wave pools, and interactive water play areas catering to families and guests of all ages.

Authorities have not yet released detailed findings on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation remains active. Hersheypark has pledged to keep the public informed as more information becomes available.