Tragedy at Hersheypark: 9-Year-Old Child Dies at The Boardwalk Water Park

A summer day meant for laughter and splashing in the sun ended in unimaginable heartbreak. On July 24, 2025, tragedy struck Hersheypark when a 9-year-old child died following an incident at The Boardwalk, the park’s popular water attraction zone.

According to reports, the child was pulled from one of the attractions by lifeguards who immediately recognized they were in distress. Emergency responders on site quickly took over, working tirelessly to save the child’s life. Despite all efforts by medical personnel and first responders, the child was later pronounced dead at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

While the name of the young victim has not been released out of respect for the family’s privacy, the entire Hersheypark community—and beyond—is reeling from the loss. What began as a regular day of fun turned into a nightmare, and the ripple effect of this tragedy is being felt across the country.

A Heart-breaking Loss at The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a family-friendly water park area within the park, is known for its array of slides, wave pools, and water play zones. It attracts thousands of visitors each summer, especially families with young children. While exact details of the incident are still under investigation, the event has raised concerns over water safety, supervision, and rapid emergency response procedures at amusement parks.

Parents, parkgoers, and child safety advocates are demanding answers—not from a place of blame, but from a deep desire to ensure this never happens again.

Hersheypark Responds to the Tragedy

In an emotional statement, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CEO John Lawn shared,

“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”

He added that guest safety remains the company’s highest priority, and that the organization will be conducting a thorough internal investigation in cooperation with local authorities.

For a park that’s been operating for over 100 years, this incident marks only the second reported fatality in its history. The last recorded death at Hersheypark occurred in 1977 when a 16-year-old employee died during a maintenance accident. That fact only deepens the sense of shock surrounding this week’s tragedy.

A Wake-Up Call for Families and Parks Alike

Water parks can appear deceptively safe, especially with lifeguards present and designated family zones. However, drowning can happen in seconds, and even the most advanced safety systems may not be enough to prevent every emergency.

Experts emphasize that constant adult supervision, even in lifeguarded areas, is essential. Additionally, parents are encouraged to make sure their children understand water safety, stay within designated swim zones, and wear flotation devices when needed—especially younger children.

At the same time, amusement parks like Hersheypark must now take a hard look at their own safety protocols. Are there enough lifeguards? Are staff adequately trained to identify silent signs of drowning? Are emergency teams positioned to respond within seconds?

These are the questions that now surround The Boardwalk at Hersheypark.

An Outpouring of Grief

Social media has been flooded with condolences, prayers, and outrage. Many shared their own experiences at the park, some posting photos of happy family memories now tinged with sadness.

“This could have been any one of us,” one user posted. “My daughter was just at The Boardwalk last week. I can’t stop thinking about that poor child’s family.”

Others have called for memorials, safety reforms, or even temporary closure of the affected area until the full investigation concludes.

Moving Forward with Compassion

While it’s easy to get lost in the statistics, headlines, and online speculation, it’s vital to remember: a family has lost their child. A day meant to bring smiles turned into a lifelong scar. The pain is real, and so is the community’s responsibility to honour that life by learning from this moment.

For now, the focus remains on compassion—for the grieving family, for the first responders who fought to save a life, and for a shaken community trying to make sense of an unthinkable tragedy.

As the investigation continues, Hersheypark has pledged to provide full transparency and reevaluate its procedures. It’s a commitment that will hopefully lead to real change—because no family should ever have to endure such a loss in the middle of what was meant to be a joyful day.