Dauphin County officials have released the cause of death for the young girl who died at Hersheypark last week. The victim has been identified as 9-year-old Sophia Subedi of Harrisburg.

According to the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, Subedi died from freshwater drowning. The manner of death was ruled accidental. Officials confirmed that no underlying medical condition contributed to the drowning.

The incident occurred on July 24 at the Hersheypark Boardwalk’s wave pool. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Subedi could not be revived.

Her identity was confirmed by the Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg (BCH), which shared a photo of the child and issued a public statement. The organization described the loss as a tragedy for the entire community. “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm the tragic passing of Sophia Subedi,” the BCH stated.

Tilak Niroula, Chairman of BCH, expressed sympathy for the Subedi family and called on the public to offer kindness and solidarity during this difficult time. Subedi’s death may be the first involving a guest at Hersheypark in its 119-year history. The only other death on record involved a 16-year-old employee in 1977.

In a post shared on X, John Lawn, the CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, released a public statement following Subedi’s death.

He emphasized the immediate response by on-site personnel. “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.”

According to the statement, Subedi was quickly transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Despite extensive efforts, she could not be saved. Lawn extended condolences to the family, stating, “Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family.” He added that no personal details would be released out of respect for the family’s privacy.

Lawn emphasized that guest safety is central to Hersheypark’s operations, noting that an internal investigation will be carried out in conjunction with full cooperation with authorities. Lawn also requested privacy for both the grieving family and Hersheypark staff, many of whom were affected by the incident.

He pledged to continue efforts to ensure guest safety. “To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make,” he noted. Hersheypark confirmed that ten lifeguards were assigned to the wave pool at the time of the incident.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Subedi’s family. The fundraiser aims to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.

According to the page, Subedi was born in 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. She was described as “a joyful and curious child who brought boundless energy and light into every room she entered.”

Her family relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2022. There, Subedi quickly became a part of the community. Known for her warm smile and generous spirit, she left a strong impression on those around her.

She had just finished third grade at North Side Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District. Described as a bright student, Subedi enjoyed reading, painting, and music. She often talked about becoming a teacher — someone who could share knowledge and kindness, just like her own teachers had done for her.

Friends and family recall her compassion and empathy. Subedi was quick to help others, share what she had, and comfort anyone in need. She especially loved dancing with her cousins, evening walks with her mother, and singing to her favorite Nepali songs during car rides.

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday at Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home in Harrisburg to honor Subedi’s life and memory.