Hersheypark Update: Witness Recounts Lifeguards' Efforts To Save Child Amid Seizure Rumours

A tragic incident unfolded at Hersheypark's The Boardwalk water park in Pennsylvania on Thursday, as a nine-year-old child died following what is believed to be a seizure in the park's wave pool, sparking widespread speculation, grief, and an urgent review from park authorities.

CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, John Lawn, released a statement confirming that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. 'From the moment our lifeguard team recognised that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue, followed by continuous, coordinated life‑saving efforts by our lifeguards, on‑site first responders, and medical personnel,' said Lawn. 'The child was transported without delay to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where despite everyone's tireless efforts, the child did not recover.'

'Our hearts break for this child and the child's family,' he added. 'We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.'

Park Launches Internal Review After Tragedy

The incident allegedly occurred at The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool that gradually deepens from zero to six feet. As of Friday, the wave pool was the only closed attraction listed on the Hersheypark app. According to the park's website, children under four feet tall are required to wear a life vest in the pool.

Lawn stressed that guest safety has always been the park's highest priority and confirmed that an internal investigation would be launched. Derry Township Police also confirmed they are in the early stages of gathering facts about the incident.

Eyewitness Shares Harrowing Account

According to a report from WGAL, a witness who chose to remain anonymous described the moment they saw the child pulled from the pool. 'Yesterday at Hersheypark, I witnessed something that left me heartbroken. It was 92 degrees and my family had just arrived when I saw a child being pulled, limp, from the wave pool.'

'Lifeguards blew their whistles, evacuating everyone, and within moments, staff and security rushed to help. A lifeguard began CPR on a gurney with intense focus, working for several minutes. When he stopped, clearly shaken, the crowd let out an audible sigh.'

'I later heard this may have been a medical emergency, not a typical drowning, which makes it no less tragic,' the witness added. 'The image of that little child, and the heartbreak of the family, is something I'll never forget.'

Park's Safety Record Comes Under Scrutiny

The child's identity and exact cause of death have not been disclosed. However, Lawn reiterated that Hersheypark would cooperate fully with authorities and honour the memory of the young guest.

This is only the second known fatality linked to a park attraction. In 1977, 16-year-old William Harter was killed while working on the SooperdooperLooper ride. Since then, while several guests have suffered injuries, there have been no other deaths reported on the rides.

Online Speculation Fuels Debate

Online forums and social media have been flooded with speculation over the child's cause of death. On Reddit and Twitter, some users claim the child may have had a seizure. 'It can actually be a really good place to have a seizure if someone gets to you quickly,' said one user, who claimed to have been trained as a lifeguard. Others pointed out that the official statement was careful not to specify a cause, as that responsibility lies with the coroner.

According to KidsHealth, seizures are caused by extra electrical activity in the brain and can last only a few minutes. If a seizure happens in water, it becomes especially dangerous if not caught early, as the person could drown or suffer further injury.

How to Recognise and Respond to Seizures in Children

Seizures in children can manifest in various ways: staring, unresponsiveness, muscle spasms, or loss of consciousness. In such instances, experts recommend laying the child on their side, removing nearby objects, loosening tight clothing, and watching for breathing difficulties.

Parents are advised not to put anything in the child's mouth or try to restrain them. Emergency services should be contacted immediately, especially if it is the child's first seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if it occurs in water.

As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the memory of the young child lost at Hersheypark has left a lasting impact on all who witnessed the tragedy. From the swift response of lifeguards to the outpouring of grief from strangers online, the incident has not only sparked urgent safety discussions but also reminded many of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance, compassion, and collective care in moments of crisis.