Tragic Incident at Hershey Park Claims Life of Young Girl

A 9-year-old girl, who has not been named, tragically lost her life in a wave pool at Hershey Park. She was cherished by the Bhutanese community in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Reports indicate that she was found “limp” in the water on Thursday and despite the lifeguard’s attempts to save her, she passed away at the hospital.

In a statement, the Bhutan community expressed their sorrow: “It’s a deeply saddening and heartwarming moment as we share the heartbreaking news of the untimely death of our beloved nine-year-old girl from the Harrisburg-based Bhutan community.”

Group president Tilak Nirula noted, “The child was tragically lost in a catastrophic incident at Hershey Park.” Notably, this marks the first fatality at the park since 1977.

Describing the girl, Nirula said, “At just nine years old, she was full of promise, innocence, and joy—she was the light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Her sudden departure has left a profound void in our hearts and in the tight-knit community she warmed with her presence.” He underscored the grief felt throughout the community, stating that “words cannot fully capture the depths of pain,” while pledging support to the grieving family.

Members of the Bhutan community shared their shock on social media, with one comment reading, “It’s very, very shocking news for all of us. A tragedy has fallen upon us.”

Hershey Park officials confirmed that the water park area, known as the Boardwalk, is maintained to be safe. They noted that at the time of the incident, there were over 100 lifeguards on duty, including 10 specifically trained for wave pools.

Nirula also shared a message in a video, urging parents to keep a close watch on their children in water, noting that even a momentary distraction can lead to devastating outcomes. As a precaution, the wave pool will remain closed for the time being.