A heartbreaking incident occurred at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a popular amusement and water park in Pennsylvania, where a 9-year-old child died—the first death at the park since 1977.
What Happened?
The child was enjoying the water attractions at The Boardwalk, which is the water park area inside Hersheypark. After an emergency situation, lifeguards and park medical staff quickly responded and rescued the child. The child was then taken to a nearby hospital but was sadly pronounced dead.
Officials have not revealed the child’s name or the exact cause of the incident yet.
Park’s History and Response
This is the first fatal accident at Hersheypark in over four decades. The last time a death occurred at the park was in 1977, when a 16-year-old worker was accidentally hit by a rollercoaster during maintenance.
John Lawn, the CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, issued a heartfelt statement saying:
“Tonight, a nine-year-old guest was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”
He added that guest safety is their top priority and they will investigate the incident thoroughly while honoring the child’s memory.
Read more: s“She Was Just 9”: Canadian Girl Killed by Father on Holiday, Say Police
What is The Boardwalk at Hersheypark?
Hersheypark was originally built by Milton S. Hershey, the founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, as a place of fun for factory workers and their families.
The Boardwalk is the water park section inside Hersheypark. It has 16 water attractions, including:
- Whitecap Racer – the world’s longest mat racing water slide
- Lazy River, wave pools, and more
The park also includes roller coasters, a zoo, and family-friendly entertainment areas.
This tragic incident has deeply saddened park visitors and staff. The park has promised to take all necessary steps to ensure such an accident does not happen again.
