Hershey, Pennsylvania – With heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic passing of Sophia Subedi, a vibrant 9-year-old girl whose life was cut short following a devastating incident at Hersheypark’s wave pool on July 24, 2025. Sophia’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and the Harrisburg community in profound grief, resonating with people far beyond her hometown.
On what was intended to be a joyful summer day, Sophia was at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk, a popular water park attraction, with her family. The air was warm, with temperatures reaching 92 degrees, and the park was filled with families making memories. Tragically, Sophia became unresponsive in the wave pool, known as “The Shore,” a 378,000-gallon attraction that reaches a depth of six feet. Lifeguards, trained and certified by Ellis & Associates, quickly recognized her distress and initiated an immediate rescue. They performed CPR and other life-saving measures on-site before Sophia was rushed to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Despite the tireless efforts of lifeguards, first responders, and medical personnel, Sophia could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The exact cause of Sophia’s death remains under investigation, with autopsy results still pending as of July 28, 2025. The Derry Township Police Department, in collaboration with Hersheypark and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, is conducting a thorough review, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing cellphone and potential body camera footage. Hersheypark has committed to a comprehensive internal review and full cooperation with authorities. The wave pool was closed on Friday out of respect for the family but reopened on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Sophia Subedi was far more than the tragedy that claimed her life. Born in 2016 in Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio, she moved to Harrisburg in 2022 and had just completed third grade at North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District. Described by the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg (BCH) as “a bright, kind, and loving young girl,” Sophia brought joy and light to everyone around her. She dreamed of becoming a teacher, inspired by her love for learning and her desire to share kindness. Her passions included reading, painting, dancing with her younger cousins, singing Nepali songs during car rides, and holding her mother’s hand on evening walks. Known for her compassion, Sophia was quick to make friends, offer help, and comfort those who were scared or sad.
The Subedi family, part of Harrisburg’s Bhutanese community, is devastated by their loss and has requested privacy during this difficult time. The community has rallied around them, launching a GoFundMe campaign organized by Sri Adhikari to support funeral and memorial expenses, which had raised over $3,000 by July 28, 2025. A funeral and memorial service were scheduled for Wednesday at Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home in Harrisburg, where loved ones gathered to honor Sophia’s memory. Candlelight vigils, balloon releases, and other remembrance events have been organized, reflecting the widespread impact of Sophia’s life. Her death marks the first guest fatality in Hersheypark’s 119-year history, with the only prior reported death being that of a 16-year-old maintenance worker in 1977.
John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.” He emphasized that safety is the park’s highest priority, noting that over 100 trained lifeguards were on duty at the Boardwalk, with 10 specifically assigned to the wave pool, all equipped with training in deep-water lifeguarding, CPR, AED use, and first aid. Complimentary life vests were available to guests, though it remains unclear whether Sophia was wearing one.
Sophia’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the fleeting nature of joy. Her memory endures through the stories of her loved ones, the artwork she created, and the countless lives she touched with her radiant spirit. The community continues to honor her legacy, with calls to support children’s safety initiatives or create a space in her name where families can feel safe and connected.
May Sophia Subedi rest in eternal peace. May her family find solace in the outpouring of love surrounding them. And may her life inspire us all to cherish every moment and hold our loved ones close, reminded of the profound impact a young heart can have on the world.