Credit: HersheyparkA family vacation ended in unimaginable tragedy when 9-year-old Sophia Subedi drowned in the wave pool at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk water park area on July 24. Now, following a comprehensive investigation, local authorities have officially ruled the child’s death accidental, confirming that the popular Pennsylvania theme park was not at fault.
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According to a statement issued Friday by the Derry Township Police Department, there was “no criminal activity”or negligence by any park employees involved in the incident. Hersheypark, known for its family-friendly attractions and robust safety protocols, was found to have upheld its operational standards.
Wave Pool Was Under Capacity and Fully Staffed
Sophia Subedi’s death occurred in the Shoreline Sprayground area, which includes the wave pool that simulates ocean-like waves and is a centerpiece of The Boardwalk at Hersheypark.
Authorities emphasized that the water attraction was operating under capacity at the time of the incident. “The number of people in the wave pool at the time was significantly less than its designed maximum capacity,” the police department’s review stated, a detail that counters early social media speculation about overcrowding or understaffing.
According to Hersheypark, there were 10 lifeguards actively stationed at the wave pool on the evening Sophia drowned — a number that meets or exceeds industry standards for aquatic supervision at major water parks.
Swift Rescue Efforts by Lifeguards and Witnesses
The report also highlights the immediate response by staff and bystanders.
“Witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia’s distress,” police said. Medical attention was administered quickly, and first responders arrived at the scene to assist, per ABC.
Sophia was transported to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where life-saving measures continued, but tragically, she was later pronounced dead.
Hersheypark CEO Responds with Condolences
In a heartfelt statement on the day of the incident, John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, expressed sympathy and support for Sophia’s family.
“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss,” Lawn said. “Parkgoers’ safety and well-being drive every decision we make.”
A message from our CEO pic.twitter.com/tiuzM3SfzA
— Hersheypark (@Hersheypark) July 25, 2025
This message was echoed in the official police report as well:
“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.”
Sophia Subedi was part of the growing Bhutanese refugee community in Pennsylvania, which has rallied in support of her family in the days following her passing.
About Hersheypark: A Long History of Family Entertainment
Hersheypark, founded in 1906 by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey, is one of Pennsylvania’s premier attractions, drawing over 3 million guests annually. Known for blending chocolate-themed entertainment with thrill rides and water attractions, the park sits adjacent to Hershey’s Chocolate World and the Hershey Museum.
The Boardwalk, its water park area where the drowning occurred, opened in 2007 and features a lazy river, water slides, a family raft ride, and the wave pool where Sophia drowned. The park’s safety reputation has generally remained strong, and it employs a team of certified lifeguards and medical personnel, especially during peak summer months.
In addition to routine lifeguard certification, the park trains employees on rapid response scenarios and CPR through partnerships with the American Red Cross.
Community in Mourning
The loss of Sophia has deeply affected both the local community and park visitors who witnessed the event. While the park was not found liable, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in aquatic attractions, even under seemingly ideal circumstances.
In the wake of the incident, several local leaders and community organizations have extended support to the Subedi family. Online fundraisers and memorial services have been organized to assist with funeral expenses and emotional support.
No Policy Changes Announced — Yet
Despite the investigation clearing Hersheypark of wrongdoing, the park has not yet commented on whether any policy or staffing changes will be implemented at The Boardwalk as a precautionary measure. It’s common for parks to review their internal protocols following any serious incident, even in the absence of legal findings.
As of now, the wave pool remains open, but some parents have taken to social media calling for posted limits on pool occupancy, more visible signage, and better multilingual communication for non-English-speaking guests.
A Final Word: Safety Still Paramount
While no amount of investigation can undo the pain of losing a child, the results have offered some clarity. The park was not overcrowded. The lifeguards did act quickly. And the tragedy, though devastating, was not the result of neglect.
Hersheypark’s CEO and local police have made it clear: this was an accident, not a failure in protocol. Still, as summer continues, many families may find themselves reevaluating how closely they watch their children around water — even in the most family-friendly of settings.
As the investigation closes, Sophia Subedi’s name now becomes part of a broader conversation around theme park water safety, community support, and the sobering truth that even a place built on joy is not immune to heartbreak.