Aerial view of Hersheypark's water park with many people enjoying the slides and attractions.
Share this @internewscast.com

A WITNESS has described the devastating moment they saw a child being pulled from a pool before she was pronounced dead.

The nine-year-old girl was visiting the Boardwalk at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania on Thursday when she suddenly fell into distress.

Aerial view of Hersheypark's water park with many people enjoying the slides and attractions.
A child has died after suffering an emergency at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania (stock image)Credit: Getty
Hersheypark statement regarding the death of a nine-year-old guest.
The park’s CEO issues a heartbroken statement about the incidentCredit: Facebook/hersheypark

An immediate response by lifeguards included a rescue and CPR, but despite these efforts, the child was unable to be saved, as confirmed by Hersheypark’s CEO, John Lawn.

Details surrounding the child’s death are scarce, however, an eyewitness reported they saw her being carried out of the wave pool, as noted by NBC affiliate WGAL.

This comes as the wave pool was closed on Friday while the rest of the park operated as normal, the outlet reported.

The witness said they were “heartbroken” after watching the child “being pulled” from the pool.

The eyewitness, wishing to remain anonymous, mentioned, “Lifeguards blew their whistle to clear the area, and within moments, staff along with security personnel rushed in to assist.”

The parkgoer said that a lifeguard performed CPR on a gurney “with intense focus” and worked for several minutes.

Staff at the park “did their best to shield onlookers from the trauma, but the weight of the moment was overwhelming,” according to the witness.

That night after getting home from the park, the witness said they couldn’t sleep because they were so shaken by the death.

The parkgoer described the tragedy as “something I’ll never forget,” but stressed how they were struck by the “staff’s compassion.”

Lawn mourned the death of the child and confirmed that his staff worked tirelessly to try and save her.

“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” he wrote.

“We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”

The CEO said that he will be conducting a “thorough internal review” alongside authorities in the coming days.

“To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make,” he said.

“We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark.”

The wave pool holds 378,000 gallons of water and slowly rises from zero to six feet, according to the park’s website.

It’s part of the Boardwalk, which boasts a Lazy River, tall water slides, and cabanas for relaxing by pools.

The amusement park is in Hershey, about two hours west of Philadelphia, and is owned by the chocolate company Hershey.

It was originally built by the confectionery company’s founder, Milton S. Hershey, as a place where employees could go to relax.

The tragedy comes as a toddler plunged to their death at a water park after slipping from their dad’s arms.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
James Dobson, influential founder of conservative Christian group Focus on the Family, has died

Influential Founder of Focus on the Family, James Dobson, Passes Away

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (AP) — Dr. James Dobson, a well-known child psychologist…
Dr. James Dobson speaking at a podium.

James Dobson Dies at 89: Focus on the Family Honors the Christian Leader and Advisor to Five Presidents

An influential evangelical Christian leader who founded a significant parenting ministry and…
Florida must stop expanding ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration center, judge says

Judge Orders Florida to Halt Expansion of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility

A federal judge in Miami has issued a preliminary injunction to stop…
Bryan Kohberger questioned: Inside his first interview with police after Idaho student murders

Idaho Police Chief Shares New Insights on Bryan Kohberger Student Murder Case

Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to talk about…
NOAA releases fall weather predictions for every state as La Niña looms

NOAA Shares Autumn Weather Forecasts for Each State as La Niña Approaches

(NEXSTAR) – This fall is looking pretty summery, if a new national…
'The Beatles Anthology' returns: remastered docuseries, new music and book arrive Fall 2025 on Disney+

“Remastered ‘The Beatles Anthology’ Docuseries, New Music, and Book Debut on Disney+ in Fall 2025”

The Beatles are once again diving into their archives. What initially appeared…
CTU to hold Chicago rally calling out Governor JB Pritzker's CPS funding comments

Chicago Teachers Union Plans Rally to Address Governor Pritzker’s Remarks on CPS Funding

CHICAGO (WLS) — The deadline for a CPS budget is drawing near,…
Florida must stop expanding Alligator Alcatraz immigration center, judge says

Judge Orders Halt to Expansion of Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz Immigration Center

A federal judge has issued an injunction to stop the further expansion…
Villanova University issues active shooter alert amid orientation events

Active Shooter Alert Issued at Villanova University During Orientation Events

On Thursday, Villanova University issued an active shooter alert via its Nova…
Ghost wearing sunglasses and a party hat; text overlay: "Partying isn't dead. Pitch us your party. We'll pay for it."

Bar Introduces $5,000 ‘Slush Fund’ Scholarships as Gen Z Shows Less Interest in Partying

A BREWERY is fighting for your right to party by paying for…
Judge reduces Menendez brothers' murder sentences

Menendez Brothers Aim for Parole in 1989 Parental Murder Case

But even if the board grants their parole, it could be months…
Zelenskyy seeks 'strong reaction' from US if Putin is not ready for bilateral meeting

Zelenskyy urges US to strongly respond if Putin declines bilateral meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire for a “strong reaction”…