The cause of death of a nine-year-old girl who tragically passed away at Hersheypark wave pool has been revealed.
Sophia Subedi, a third‑grader from Harrisburg’s North Side Elementary School — was pulled from The Shore wave pool in the Boardwalk section of the park on July 24, placed on a gurney, and given CPR by lifeguards and first responders.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE, a park spokesperson confirmed that over 100 trained lifeguards were present at the time of the incident, with 10 specifically assigned to the wave pool.
Spectators described the scene as deeply traumatic.
“A lifeguard began CPR on a gurney with intense focus, working for several minutes. When he stopped, clearly shaken, the crowd let out an audible sigh. Staff did their best to shield onlookers from the trauma, but the weight of the moment was overwhelming,” a shocked witness told WGAL.
Following her transport to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, she was pronounced dead.
“The cause of death was fresh water drowning and the manner of death was accidental,” the Dauphin County coroner confirmed, per NBC10.
Sophia had not suffered any medical distress beforehand, ruling out earlier theories of a preexisting health episode.
In response, Hershey Entertainment CEO John Lawn released a statement explaining the rescue timeline.
“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.
He added: “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss.”
Sophia was a beloved part of Harrisburg’s Bhutanese community.
“At just nine years old, she was full of promise, innocence, and joy – a light in the lives of all who knew her,” community leader Tilak Niroula recalled, per WGAL-TV.
“Her sudden and tragic departure has left a deep void in our hearts and in the community she was so warmly a part of. Our entire community is grieving alongside the family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Sophia’s obituary described her as “a bright, kind, and loving young girl” who brought joy to everyone around her. It detailed her passions - reading, music, and painting - and noted her dream of becoming a teacher, inspired by her favorite educators.
“Our thoughts and our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon,” the police said in a statement.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Sophia's family, and at the time of writing, it has raised $28,000.
Our thoughts are with Sophia's loved ones at this time.