THE END OF SEPTEMBER. NINE YEAR OLD SOPHIA ZUBAIDI WILL BE LAID TO REST TODAY. SHE DROWNED AT HERSHEY PARK LAST THURSDAY. SOPHIA HAD BEEN LIVING WITH HER FAMILY IN HARRISBURG SINCE 2022. SHE RECENTLY FINISHED THIRD GRADE AT NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT. HER VIEWING AND FUNERAL WILL BE
Child’s drowning at Hersheypark ruled accidental, police say
Derry Township Police have released their review of a 9-year-old girl’s drowning death in the wave pool at Hersheypark.Video above: Girl who drowned in wave pool to be laid to rest Police released the following statement Friday afternoon:”The Derry Township Police Department, with cooperation from the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office and Hersheypark, has finalized its review into the drowning incident that occurred at Hersheypark on Thursday, July 24, 2025, shortly before 6:46 pm. Following a thorough review of video footage, statements from employees, witnesses, and first responders, as well as documentation of the physical scene, our department has determined that the incident did not involve any criminal activity. The drowning of 9-year-old Sophia Subedi has been determined to be an accidental freshwater drowning, consistent with the official findings of the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office. The review of the incident revealed that safety standards were being upheld by Hersheypark and the number people in the wave pool at the time of the incident was significantly less than it’s designed maximum capacity. It was also noted that nearby witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia’s distress. The Derry Township Police Department, along with the witnesses, Hersheypark staff, and first responders who attempted to save Sophia, extend their sincere condolences to her family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this difficult time.”Sophia Subedi was born in Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio, but had lived in Harrisburg since 2022. She attended school at North Side Elementary and was preparing to enter fourth grade this upcoming school year.
Derry Township Police have released their review of a 9-year-old girl’s drowning death in the wave pool at Hersheypark.
Video above: Girl who drowned in wave pool to be laid to rest
Police released the following statement Friday afternoon:
“The Derry Township Police Department, with cooperation from the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office and Hersheypark, has finalized its review into the drowning incident that occurred at Hersheypark on Thursday, July 24, 2025, shortly before 6:46 pm. Following a thorough review of video footage, statements from employees, witnesses, and first responders, as well as documentation of the physical scene, our department has determined that the incident did not involve any criminal activity. The drowning of 9-year-old Sophia Subedi has been determined to be an accidental freshwater drowning, consistent with the official findings of the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office. The review of the incident revealed that safety standards were being upheld by Hersheypark and the number people in the wave pool at the time of the incident was significantly less than it’s designed maximum capacity. It was also noted that nearby witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia’s distress. The Derry Township Police Department, along with the witnesses, Hersheypark staff, and first responders who attempted to save Sophia, extend their sincere condolences to her family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this difficult time.”
Sophia Subedi was born in Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio, but had lived in Harrisburg since 2022. She attended school at North Side Elementary and was preparing to enter fourth grade this upcoming school year.
