A visit to Hersheypark turned tragic last week when 9-year-old Sophia Subedi of Harrisburg passed away following an incident at the park’s wave pool on July 24. Officials confirmed her passing was due to accidental drowning. No underlying medical issues contributed.

Sophia was a third-grade student in the Central Dauphin School District and had recently moved to Harrisburg with her family. Known for her bright smile and kind heart, she was described by friends and teachers as a compassionate, curious, and joyful child who dreamed of becoming a teacher.

The Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg shared the news and offered heartfelt condolences to the family, calling it a loss felt deeply across the community.Hersheypark officials noted that lifeguards and medical personnel responded immediately, and the park is fully cooperating with authorities while conducting an internal safety review.

Ten lifeguards were on duty at the wave pool at the time of the incident.A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to help support the Subedi family with funeral and memorial costs. A service honoring Sophia’s life will be held this week at Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home in Harrisburg.