DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A 9-year-old passed away after an incident at Hersheypark’s boardwalk Thursday night, according to the park’s CEO.
“Tonight, a nine year old guest was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. From the moment our lifeguard team recognized that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life saving efforts by our lifeguards, on site first responders, and medical personnel,” Hersheypark wrote in a press release.
The child was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where “where despite everyone’s tireless efforts, the child did not recover.”
While the details surrounding the incident are unclear, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark features water attractions like a wave pool, a lazy river, and water slides.
Hersheypark said that in coming days, it will conduct a “thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities”.
CBS 21 is working to learn more from police and county officials about what happened.
The full statement from John Lawn, chief executive officer of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, can be read below:
Tonight, a nine year old guest was tragically lost at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. From the moment our lifeguard team recognized that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life saving efforts by our lifeguards, on site first responders, and medical personnel. The child was transported without delay to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where despite everyone’s tireless efforts, the child did not recover.
Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.
The safety of our guests has always been our highest priority. In the coming days, we will conduct a thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities.
As we grieve alongside our community, we ask for privacy for the family and for our team members who are deeply affected by this loss. We will provide updates as appropriate, and we will continue to work to support everyone involved.
To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well being drive every decision we make. We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark.
