
No negligence, Bhutanese-origin girl Sophia Subedi's drowning in Hersheypark despite presence of 10 lifeguards accidental
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Bhutanese-origin Sophia Subedi was spotted in a state of distress in the wave pool at the Boardwalk at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
A lifeguard pulled her from the pool and performed CPR on her. She was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. A Hersheypark spokesperson said there were 100 lifeguards – trained and certified through Ellis & Associates (E&A) -- at the Boardwalk at the time of the incident.
They also said there were 10 lifeguards specifically dedicated to the wave pool at the time.
After Subedi's death, Derry Township Police launched an investigation, which included a review of video footage, statements from witnesses, employees and first responders, and documentation of the physical scene.
On Friday, police said they finalized their review of the incident and determined that Subedi died from accidental freshwater drowning.
There was no criminal activity involved and the safety standards at the theme park were also maintained. There was no overcrowding and the number of people in the wave pool was actually less than its designed maximum capacity.
'It was also noted that nearby witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia's distress,' a Derry Township Police spokesperson wrote.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
'The Derry Township Police Department, along with the witnesses, Hersheypark staff, and first responders who attempted to save Sophia, extend their sincere condolences to her family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this difficult time.
"
Subedi's funeral was held in Harrisburg on July 30. A GoFundMe page was created to support the family.
Subedi was born in Columbus, Ohio, but most recently lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She attended North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District and was set to start 4th grade during the upcoming school year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Operation Deep Manifest launched against Pak goods post Pahelgam: Govt in Parl
The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Pakistan-origin goods worth ₹12.04 crore under Operation Deep Manifest, targeting illegal inflow of Pakistani goods routed through third countries, the Union finance ministry informed Parliament on Monday. Operation Deep Manifest specifically targets the illegal inflow of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries. (Digital Sansad website) 'Till July 2025, as part of this operation total of five cases involving goods of Pakistani origin have been booked by DRI, wherein goods valued at ₹1,204 lakhs have been seized,' Minister of State (MoS) for finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written response to queries raised by a clutch of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs. According to Chaudhary, in all five cases, the goods were being imported into India through indirect routes via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Launched in the wake of heightened government vigilance following the comprehensive ban on Pakistani imports after the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Deep Manifest specifically targets the illegal inflow of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries. The minister further informed that 13 cases of illegal import worth ₹12 lakh have also been detected by customs officials. 'In these cases, goods have been found to be imported in violation of the existing legal provisions, including prohibitions imposed vide DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 02.05.2025,' he said. Earlier, on June 26, the government reported the seizure of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods valued at nearly ₹9 crore, with one of the importing firm's partners arrested. 'Investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India. Further examination of goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port, Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port, Dubai – en route to Indian ports,' the government notification said.


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Lived peacefully for decades': Filipino immigrant with green card detained by ICE after vacation; old narcotics case flags arrest
Image: GoFundMe@/JojiVivianMitsuoHirano A Filipino immigrant and a green card holder with prior criminal charges for distributing controlled substances was detained at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina on July 28, after returning from a vacation in the Bahamas, reported GMA News Online. Sonny Lasquite has reportedly lived in the US for 23 years and worked as a banquet server in Las Vegas. He is currently in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Newsweek reported. Lasquite's family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign on Saturday seeking $30,000 for legal representation, filing fees, and 'essential expenses to fight for Sonny's right to remain in the US and reunite with his family.' Lasquite's arrest was triggered by a federal system red flag connected to a 2012 narcotics case. From about December 2010 to August 2012, Lasquite 'intentionally and knowingly' possessed with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics, including diazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem, and carisoprodol, according to court records from the Southern District of New York, reported Newsweek. However, he quickly accepted responsibility for his actions and cooperated with federal authorities in identifying both charged and uncharged co-conspirators. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In a 2014 sentencing memorandum, former US Attorney Preet Bharara wrote that Lasquite's assistance helped halt narcotics distribution operations and led to the prosecution of others. "I feel pretty confident that you're not going to commit any crimes in the future, and I join the government in wishing you well and hopefully being able to put this behind you," Bharara said on September 9, 2014. "You are, as the government points out, the only defendant who cooperated," he added. "You did that at some risk to yourself. I think there needs to be recognition of that and proportionate sentencing between you and the other defendants." The court ultimately sentenced Lasquite to time served with no additional prison time and ordered him to pay $200. "Sonny Lasquite is more than a name, he is a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend whose kindness has touched countless lives,' says the GoFundMe, which has raised nearly $11,600 from 56 donations as of Monday morning. "For decades, Sonny has lived peacefully in the United States, working hard, caring for his elderly mother, and always putting others before himself. He is the kind of person who never hesitates to help, greet you with a warm smile, or offer comfort when you need it most." Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi said that cases like Lasquite's are not uncommon and have been occurring for decades, reported Newsweek. "Under current US immigration law, lawful permanent residents—even those who have lived in the country for most of their lives—remain vulnerable to removal proceedings if they are convicted of certain drug-related offenses. This is true regardless of how much time has passed since the conviction or how significantly they have contributed to their communities in the years afterward.' Lasquite's detention highlights how lawful permanent residents can face immigration enforcement at ports of entry, noting the lasting consequences that past criminal actions can have for long-term residents.


Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Green card holder ICE detention: Why Filipino immigrant, Sonny Lasquite, was held after 23 years living in US
A Filipino immigrant and green card holder, Sonny Lasquite, was detained upon his return from a vacation in the Bahamas. Lasquite has prior criminal charges pertaining to distributing controlled substances. Sonny Lasquite reportedly lived in the US for 23 years and was a banquet server in Las Vegas. (GoFundMe) He was detained at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 28, and remains in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Newsweek reported. Why Sonny Lasquite was detained Despite being a green card holder, Lasquite was detained due to a red flag in the federal system, which was linked to a 2012 narcotics case. Newsweek also accessed ICE records which show Lasquite is being detained at the Stewart Detention Center in Stewart County, Georgia. His detention shows how lawful and permanent residents face the risk of deportation or at least detention, based on past criminal activities. What to know about Sonny Lasquite Lasquite reportedly lived in the US for 23 years and was a banquet server in Las Vegas. From around December 2010 to August 2012, Lasquite 'intentionally and knowingly' possessed with an intent to distribute items, including, diazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem and carisoprodol, Newsweek reported. However, the publication also reported that records indicate Lasquite was quick to cooperate, and he did so fully, along with taking responsility for his actions. He also helped the US government identify charged and uncharged co-conspirators, and then-US Attorney Preet Bharara noted that Lasquite helped stop distribution practices of narcotics, and also led to others being prosecuted. Lasquite's sentence was brought down to time served, and he was ordered to pay a fine of $200. He did not have to spend any additional time in jail. His family and friends have started a GoFundMe page for him, so he may fight his legal battles. 'Sonny Lasquite is more than a name — he is a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness has touched countless lives. For decades, Sonny has lived peacefully in the United States, working hard, caring for his elderly mother, and always putting others before himself,' the page says. It notes 'He is the kind of person who never hesitates to help, greet you with a warm smile, or offer comfort when you need it most. Sonny is the primary breadwinner of his family, providing both financial and emotional support to his loved ones. His income helps cover essential expenses, including his elderly mother's medical needs and daily living costs. But today, Sonny, a greencard holder, is facing a crisis that could take him away from everyone who loves him.' The family is seeking money for legal fees so Sonny can fight to remain in the US.