The cause of death has been confirmed as ‘freshwater drowning’ for the nine-year-old girl who died at a waterpark in the US.
Sophia Subedi tragically passed away on Thursday (July 24), after getting caught in trouble while in the wave pool at Hersheypark, which is located in Pennsylvania – just a half-hour drive east of the state capital Harrisburg.
The amusement park, owned by America’s leading chocolate firm Hershey’s, had as many as 10 lifeguards patrolling the pool when the schoolgirl found herself battling the waves.
A representative of Hersheypark confirmed that all 10 were ‘specifically dedicated to the wave pool’ at the time Sophia went under, and that each of them ‘received the highest level of training and certification’.
Adding that they were trained in ‘deep-water lifeguarding, basic life support, AED use, supplemental oxygen support, CPR, and first aid’.
The nine-year-old tragically died while visiting Hersheypark last week (Getty stock)The nine-year-old tragically died while visiting Hersheypark last week (Getty stock)
The nine-year-old tragically died while visiting Hersheypark last week (Getty stock)
Now, Dauphin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy revealed that due to accidental freshwater drowning, adding: “The decedent did not have a medical event that caused the drowning.”
A GoFundMe page has since been created to support Sophia’s family.
“It is with unimaginable sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, student, and friend – Sophia Subedi, who tragically left us at the age of 9 during a family visit to Hershey Park,” the description on the page read in part.
“Sophia was born in 2016 at Mount Carmel, in Columbus, Ohio – a joyful and curious child who brought boundless energy and light into every room she entered.
“In 2022, her family moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Sophi quickly made a home in the community and touched many hearts with her warm smile and generous spirit.”
Sophia Subedi was just nine years old when she died as a result of ‘freshwater drowning’ at the waterpark (GoFundMe)Sophia Subedi was just nine years old when she died as a result of ‘freshwater drowning’ at the waterpark (GoFundMe)
Sophia Subedi was just nine years old when she died as a result of ‘freshwater drowning’ at the waterpark (GoFundMe)
John Lawn, the CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, issued a statement on the day of Sophia’s death.
“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 by our lifeguards, on-site first responders, and medical personnel,” he said.
“The child was transported without delay to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where despite everyone’s tireless efforts, the child did not recover.”
Before concluding: “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 ensuring the safety of our guests at Hersheypark.”
UNILAD has contacted both The Hershey Company and Dauphin County Coroner’s Office for comment.
Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
