Cause of death confirmed for 9-year-old-girl drowned in water park wave pool

The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the tragic death of 9-year-old Sophia Subedi, who drowned at Hersheypark last week, was caused by an accidental freshwater drowning.

Sophia lost her life on Thursday, July 24, after she struggled while swimming in The Shore, the park’s wave pool. Hersheypark, located about 30 minutes from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, had up to 10 lifeguards stationed at the pool during the incident. A park spokesperson stated that all lifeguards were certified in deep-water rescue, CPR, AED use, basic life support, and first aid.

Despite immediate intervention by lifeguards, first responders, and on-site medical staff, Sophia could not be revived. She was transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. The coroner clarified that her drowning was not linked to any pre-existing medical condition.

John Lawn, CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, released a statement expressing the company’s grief and 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. To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make. We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our focus on guest safety.”

In the days following Sophia’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her grieving family. So far, it has raised over $25,500 of its $60,000 goal. The campaign 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 with her family to Harrisburg in 2022. She quickly became a beloved member of her community, touching the lives of those around her.

“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.
An investigation is ongoing as authorities work to fully understand the circumstances of the drowning.