9-Year-Old Killed After Unexpected Incident at The Boardwalk: What Went Wrong at Hersheypark?
On July 24, 2025, a tragic incident at Hersheypark’s The Boardwalk water park in Pennsylvania claimed the life of a 9-year-old child, leaving the community and visitors to one of America’s most cherished amusement parks in shock. The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found in distress in the park’s 378,000-gallon wave pool, known as The Shore, and was pronounced dead after being rushed to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The heartbreaking event, reported by ABC and New York Post, has raised urgent questions about safety protocols at Hersheypark, a 119-year-old institution renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. As investigations unfold, the tragedy has cast a shadow over the park’s legacy, prompting scrutiny of what went wrong.
Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a beloved destination, drawing millions annually with its blend of thrilling rides, chocolate-themed attractions, and The Boardwalk, a water park featuring 16 attractions, including the world’s longest mat racing slides, Whitecap Racer. The Shore, where the incident occurred, is a six-foot-deep wave pool popular for its simulated ocean waves. According to NewsBreak, the child was discovered unresponsive during a busy Thursday afternoon, with lifeguards and park staff attempting to intervene before emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, the child could not be revived, and Hersheypark’s CEO, John Lawn, issued a statement expressing “profound sorrow” and committing to a thorough investigation.
Details surrounding the incident remain limited, with no official cause of death released. KXLY 920 News Now reported that Hersheypark is cooperating fully with authorities, and an internal review is underway to examine safety measures. Speculation on X, where #HersheyparkTragedy trended, suggests possible factors like overcrowding or lifeguard oversight, with users like @FamilyFirstPA posting, “How does a child drown with lifeguards everywhere?” Others, like @SafeParksNow, called for transparency, urging, “Hersheypark must release the full report.” The lack of clarity has fueled public concern, especially given the park’s reputation for rigorous safety standards.
Hersheypark’s history includes other incidents, though none as fatal in recent years. Wikipedia notes a 1987 rafting accident injuring four people due to a wide waterway section, which was later corrected, and a 1968 ride malfunction causing back injuries to two girls. More recently, a 2020 raft overturn on Canyon River Rapids injured six guests, attributed to a conveyor belt malfunction. These incidents, while serious, pale in comparison to the 2025 tragedy, which marks the first reported fatality at The Boardwalk. The wave pool’s depth and powerful waves, designed to mimic ocean conditions, have raised questions about whether adequate precautions were in place for young swimmers.
Wave pools have a history of risk across amusement parks. A 1983 drowning at Six Flags’ Wildwater Kingdom and a 2018 incident involving a 14-year-old in critical condition highlight the challenges of monitoring large, crowded pools. The Doan Law Firm notes that water park accidents often stem from insufficient lifeguard training or delayed response times. At Hersheypark, lifeguards are trained per American Red Cross standards, but the tragedy has prompted calls for enhanced protocols, such as stricter age or height restrictions for deep-water attractions. The New York Times reported that wave pools account for a disproportionate number of water park incidents due to their dynamic conditions, which can overwhelm even experienced swimmers.
The child’s family, described as “devastated” by Lawn, has not spoken publicly, and their privacy has been respected by media outlets. Hersheypark’s statement emphasized safety as its top priority: “To every family that visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make.” Yet, parents on X, like @MomOfThreePA, expressed fear, posting, “My kids love The Shore, but now I’m rethinking everything.” The incident has sparked broader conversations about amusement park safety, with The Washington Post noting that fatal accidents, while rare, erode public trust in family-oriented venues.
Investigators are examining factors like lifeguard staffing, pool monitoring technology, and crowd management. Hersheypark’s wave pool uses advanced wave-generating systems, but experts suggest that high attendance on a summer day may have strained resources. The Guardian reported that amusement parks often face pressure to balance safety with guest enjoyment, sometimes leading to lapses. The tragedy recalls other high-profile incidents, like the 2016 death of a 10-year-old on Schlitterbahn’s Verrückt slide, where mechanical failures were blamed. While no evidence points to equipment failure at Hersheypark, the investigation will likely scrutinize operational protocols.
The community response has been heartfelt, with vigils held in Hershey and online fundraisers launched for the family. Local leaders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, expressed condolences, tweeting, “Our hearts break for this loss.” The incident has also drawn attention to the emotional toll on park staff, with CNN reporting that lifeguards and first responders were “deeply shaken.” As Hersheypark navigates this crisis, the industry faces pressure to reassess water park safety standards, with advocates calling for federal oversight.
This tragedy, as Lawn noted, is a “sobering reminder” of the fragility of life. Hersheypark’s legacy as a place of joy now bears the weight of loss, and the nation awaits answers to ensure such a heartbreak is never repeated.
