A nine-year-old child tragically passed away following an incident at The Boardwalk, the water park section of Hersheypark, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The news was confirmed in a statement by John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.
According to reports, the child was in distress in the water when lifeguards initiated an immediate rescue. On-site first responders and medical personnel provided continuous life-saving efforts before the child was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Despite these efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In a statement, Lawn expressed his condolences, saying, "Our hearts break for this child and the child's family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss." He added that out of respect for the family's privacy, personal details about the child would not be released at this time.
The specific attraction where the incident occurred within The Boardwalk has not been publicly identified. The Boardwalk features numerous water attractions, including slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Lawn affirmed the company's commitment to guest safety, stating it is their "highest priority." He announced that a thorough internal investigation into the tragedy will be conducted, and the park will fully cooperate with authorities.
This is a developing story, and further information is expected to be released as the investigation proceeds.
