What Happened at Hersheypark? Inside the Drowning That Shocked The Boardwalk

On what should have been a joyful summer afternoon at one of America’s most beloved amusement parks, heartbreak took center stage. A 9-year-old child tragically drowned on July 24, 2025, at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, shaking families, staff, and the entire nation.

What exactly happened that led to this tragedy? How did a family outing turn into a nightmare? And what does this mean for the future of safety at water parks like Hershey’s?

This article dives into the timeline, emotional aftermath, and unanswered questions surrounding the devastating Hersheypark drowning—a loss that has left visitors stunned and safety advocates on high alert.

A Joyful Day Turns Tragic

Witnesses say the child was enjoying The Boardwalk, the water park section of Hersheypark, when they got into distress. Lifeguards spotted the child in trouble and reacted swiftly, diving in to pull them from the water. Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene, and CPR efforts began almost instantly.

Despite the best efforts of Hersheypark’s emergency team and later medical professionals at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the child was tragically pronounced dead.

The specific attraction involved and details of how the drowning occurred have not been disclosed by officials or the family. Park authorities have asked for privacy and respect during this deeply emotional time.

Hersheypark’s Response: Grief and Accountability

John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, released a solemn statement following the incident:

“Our hearts break for this child and their family. This is an unimaginable loss. We are fully cooperating with investigators and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety for our guests.”

While Hersheypark death searches have flooded the internet, the park has stayed focused on internal review processes and providing support to affected employees and guests.

What makes this event even more shocking is that it’s reportedly the second fatality in the park’s long history—the last being in 1977, when a 16-year-old staff member died during maintenance. The rarity of such tragedies only deepens the shock and sorrow around this loss.

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark: A Family Favourite

The Boardwalk is a major summer attraction within Hersheypark. Introduced in 2007, it features popular water rides, a lazy river, and the massive Shore Wave Pool—a place where many families flock to escape the heat.

On any other day, it’s a joyful place full of laughter and excitement. But now, it's at the center of national headlines. Search trends like “hersheypark drowning”, “child dies at hersheypark”, and “death at hersheypark water park” have skyrocketed as the public demands answers.

Public Reaction: Grief, Shock, and Questions

Social media has been flooded with messages of support and grief. Many parents expressed how shaken they are, especially those who had visited The Boardwalk just days before the incident.

“This could’ve been my child,” one user wrote. “We were just there last weekend.”

Others are calling for increased safety measures: more lifeguards, better signage, restricted capacity, and mandatory life vests for younger children—even in shallow areas.

Experts also warn that drowning is often silent. Unlike in movies, a drowning child may not splash or call out. It can happen in seconds, unnoticed, which is why constant supervision, even in lifeguarded areas, is absolutely critical.

What Happens Now?

The official investigation into the incident is ongoing, and full details have yet to be released. In the meantime, Hersheypark has committed to conducting its own internal safety review, alongside cooperating with local authorities.

Families who plan to visit Hersheypark this summer are understandably concerned. Park officials have assured the public that safety is their top priority, and additional protocols may be introduced following the investigation’s results.

While The Boardwalk remains open, some guests have reported avoiding water attractions altogether, at least for now.

Honouring a Life Lost Too Soon

It’s easy to get lost in the news cycles, the statistics, the trending hashtags. But at the heart of this story is a child—someone’s son or daughter—whose life ended far too soon. A day of fun, laughter, and ice cream under the sun became a family’s greatest sorrow.

We may never fully understand why tragedies like this happen, but we can hope that this heart-breaking event becomes a turning point—where safety becomes smarter, oversight becomes stricter, and families everywhere become just a little more aware.

In memory of this young life, the conversation must go on. The changes must follow. Because no parent should ever have to leave an amusement park with anything other than memories full of joy.