A 9-year-old child died at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Thursday night, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred at the theme park’s water park, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark, according to Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company CEO John Lawn. Lawn said in a statement that lifeguards, first responders and medics performed life-saving efforts on a child who was in distress.
The child was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.
“Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family,” Lawn wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time.”
Lawn did not provide additional details on the child’s death.
Lawn wrote in his statement that the safety of Hersheypark’s guests was the theme park’s “highest priority.” He also said Hersheypark would conduct a “thorough internal review and cooperate fully with authorities.”
Hersheypark was founded in 1906. It’s located about 95 miles west of Philadelphia and 15 miles east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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It’s the most visited theme park in Pennsylvania, ninth most-visited theme park in North America and the largest theme park in the United States outside of Ohio, Florida and California, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.