Pennsylvania officials have now confirmed the cause of death of the 9-year-old child who tragically died at Hersheypark’s water park on July 24, 2025, as accidental freshwater drowning at the wave pool in The Boardwalk section. The coroner’s report explicitly stated there was no underlying medical condition or prior medical event that caused the incident

Pennsylvania officials have now confirmed the cause of death of the 9-year-old child who tragically died at Hersheypark’s water park on July 24, 2025, as accidental freshwater drowning at the wave pool in The Boardwalk section. The coroner’s report explicitly stated there was no underlying medical condition or prior medical event that caused the incident

🕊️ What Happened

• On Thursday, July 24, a child was observed in distress in the wave pool (“The Shore”) at The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s 11‑acre water park NBC New YorkPeople.comNBC10 Philadelphia.

• Lifeguards immediately initiated rescue protocols. Reports confirm over 100 trained lifeguards were on duty, including 10 dedicated to the wave pool, all certified through Ellis & Associates .

• Rescuers pulled the child from the water and began CPR on-site. Emergency medical personnel then transported her to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where she was pronounced dead VTNBC New YorkPeople.com.

👧 About the Child

• The young girl was identified by her community as Sophia Subedi, a 9‑year‑old who had recently moved with her family from Columbus, Ohio, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She had just completed third grade at North Side Elementary School and dreamed of becoming a teacher People.comPeople.com.

• Members of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg described her as “bright, kind, and loving,” noting that her sudden loss has deeply impacted many in the community .
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🧪 Coroner’s Findings

• According to the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, the official cause of death is accidental drowning in fresh water.

• They emphasized that Sophia did not experience a medical event such as a seizure, and no prior health issue contributed to her death People.com.

🏞️ Park & Community Response

• Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CEO John Lawn expressed profound sorrow, stating:

  “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. … We extend our deepest condolences … The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority.”
  Park officials confirmed they would conduct a “thorough internal review” and cooperate fully with local authorities NBC10 PhiladelphiaNBC New YorkPeople.com.

• The wave pool remained closed following the incident out of respect for the family and reopened only days later. The rest of the park continued operation the-sun.comNBC New York.

• Local law enforcement—the Derry Township Police Department—is assisting with a full investigation, along with the coroner’s office NBC New YorkPeople.com.

📌 Key Takeaways