Tragedy at Hersheypark: 9-Year-Old Sophia Subedi Identified as Victim in Wave Pool Incident, Community Mourns

On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg (BCH) confirmed that the 9-year-old girl who tragically died at Hersheypark was Sophia Subedi, originally from Columbus, Ohio, and living in Harrisburg since 2022.

Background & Personal Profile

• Born in Columbus, Ohio, Sophia and her family relocated to Harrisburg in 2022.

• She recently completed third grade at North Side Elementary School and was preparing to start fourth grade in the fall of 2025.

• BCH described her as bright, kind, and loving, with passions for reading, music, painting, and dreamt of becoming a teacher.

Incident at Hersheypark (July 24, 2025)

• On Thursday, July 24, Sophia became distressed in the wave pool at The Boardwalk—the water park section of Hersheypark near Harrisburg.

• The pool, known as The Shore, holds 378,000 gallons and is up to six feet deep, equipped with 10 lifeguards stationed to monitor it.

• Staff from Hersheypark, trained by Ellis & Associates, responded promptly: recognizing Sophia in distress, pulling her from the water limp, and beginning immediate rescue efforts including CPR by lifeguards, followed by coordinated medical intervention and transport to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Park & Official Response

• The CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, John Lawn, issued a statement expressing sorrow, emphasizing that guest safety is their highest priority, and pledging a thorough internal review while cooperating with law enforcement and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office.

• Hersheypark reported more than 100 fully certified lifeguards at The Boardwalk during the incident, with 10 specifically assigned to the wave pool, and reiterated its strong safety protocols including complimentary life vest availability and rigorous staff training.

• The wave pool remained closed on July 25 as a gesture of respect to the family and staff, then later reopened on Sunday.

Broader Context & Community Mourning

• This tragic death is reportedly the first guest fatality in the park’s approximately 119-year history, the previous fatality dating back to 1977, when a teenage employee died during maintenance work.

• BCH stated that Sophia “brought joy and light to everyone who knew her,” and shared that her loss has deeply affected the Bhutanese and local Harrisburg community.A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to support her family’s funeral arrangements and to honor Sophia’s memory—ideas include promoting child safety awareness or creating a dedicated community space in her name.

Summary Timeline

Tribute & Legacy

Sophia was remembered as a caring and creative young girl, deeply loved by her community. BCH and her family expressed hope that her memory will inspire efforts toward children’s safety initiatives, stronger family connections, and a sense of love and security for others.