9-year-old girl who died after incident at Hersheypark Boardwalk identified
Sophia Subedi, who has lived in Harrisburg since 2022, was found by Boardwalk lifeguards at the wave pool within the Boardwalk area. Subedi was transported to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, where officials said the child did not recover.
"A bright, kind, and loving young girl, Sophia brought joy and light to everyone who knew her," a family representative said in a statement. "Her sudden loss has left our entire community in grief."
Subedi was the first Hersheypark guest to die in the park's 119-year history. Her cause of death has not been released as of Monday morning.
Subedi was born in 2016 in Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio. She was preparing to start fourth grade at North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District.
A GoFundMe has been created by friends and community members in support of the Subedi family, according to representatives. A funeral and memorial service for Sophia Subedi is expected to take place Wednesday at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home in Harrisburg.
"We hope to turn this loss into a legacy — perhaps by supporting children's safety initiatives, advocating for awareness, or creating a small space in her name where kids and families can feel safe, loved, and connected," representatives said on the GoFundMe page.
Hershey Entertainment officials said they will be conducting a "thorough internal review" of the incident in the coming days, and will cooperate fully with authorities.
"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.
"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," John Lawn, CEO, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, said in a statement Thursday.
The wave pool was closed Friday after the incident. Hershey officials said that there were 10 lifeguards specifically dedicated to the wave pool at the time of the incident. The wave pool has since been reopened, according to officials.
The Derry Township Police Department issued a statement Friday saying they are assisting Hersheypark and the Dauphin County Coroner's Office with their review into Sophia Subedi's death.
"We are still on the early stages of this process, and we are working to gather all of the facts in the incident," police said. "Our thoughts and our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon."
Hersheypark officials said there were over 100 Ellis & Associates-trained lifeguards in the Boardwalk area at the time of the incident. The park employs 19 Certified Lifeguard Instructors and one Instructor Trainer to "ensure all team members meet rigorous safety standards."
This is an ongoing story. Please check back for updates.
Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Girl, 9, who died after incident at Hersheypark Boardwalk identified
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