The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that 9-year-old Sophia Subedi died from an accidental freshwater drowning at Hersheypark. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 24, in The Shore, the park’s wave pool.
Sophia began struggling in the water, prompting immediate action from up to 10 certified lifeguards on duty. Despite rapid intervention from lifeguards, first responders, and on-site medical personnel, Sophia could not be revived. She was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Authorities confirmed that her death was not related to any underlying medical conditions. The incident is still under investigation.
John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, expressed deep sorrow and reaffirmed the park’s commitment to safety. “From the moment our lifeguard team recognized that a child was in distress, they performed an immediate rescue followed by continuous, coordinated life-saving efforts,” Lawn said in a statement.
In the aftermath of Sophia’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her grieving family. The campaign has raised over \$25,500 of its \$60,000 goal. It describes Sophia as a joyful, curious child who “brought boundless energy and light into every room she entered.”
Sophia was born in 2016 in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her family in 2022. She quickly became a cherished part of her community.
“It is with unimaginable sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, student, and friend, Sophia Subedi,” the campaign reads.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young life, and Hersheypark has pledged to review safety measures in honor of Sophia’s memory.
