9-Year-Old Child Dies at Water Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Summary:
A 9-year-old child died after experiencing distress at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark. Life-saving measures were attempted before the child was transported to a medical center and pronounced dead.

A 9-year-old child died at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.

The incident occurred at the theme park’s water park, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark, according to Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company CEO John Lawn. Lawn stated that lifeguards, first responders, and medics performed life-saving efforts on a child who was in distress.

The child was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and was later pronounced dead.

“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” Lawn wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.”

Lawn did not provide additional details on the child's death.

In his statement, Lawn wrote that the safety of Hersheypark’s guests was the theme park’s “highest priority.” He also said Hersheypark would conduct a “thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities.”

Hersheypark was founded in 1906. It is located approximately 95 miles west of Philadelphia and 15 miles east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.