A 9-year-old child died at Hersheypark’s water park Thursday, the company announced.
Officials said the child was in distress at The Boardwalk, the park’s themed water attraction, and lifeguards attempted life-saving efforts.
The child was rushed to the nearby Milton S. Hershey Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” Hershey CEO John Lawn said. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”
Lawn did not reveal the attraction where the tragedy occurred.
The Boardwalk features 16 different water attractions, located in the northern section of the 119-year-old Pennsylvania amusement park, including the world’s longest mat racing slides, “Whitecap Racer.”
It is also home to a 378,000-gallon wave pool dubbed, “The Shore,” which deepens to six feet.
The identity of the child was not provided.
A cause of death was not immediately known.
Lawn said an internal review will take place in the coming days and the park would be fully cooperating with authorities.
“To every family that visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make. 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,” he added.
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