9-Year-Old Who Drowned in Hersheypark Wave Pool Remembered at Funeral with ‘Deep Love and Sorrow’

Family, friends, and members of the Bhutanese community gathered on Wednesday, July 30, to honor the life of 9-year-old Sophia Subedi, who tragically drowned at The Boardwalk water park at Hersheypark just days earlier.

The funeral, held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was attended by hundreds and described by organizers as a ceremony filled with “deep love and sorrow.”

In a statement shared on Facebook, the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg wrote, “Your presence, prayers, and compassion brought comfort to the grieving family and strength to our community. At this time, the family asks for continued privacy as they grieve.”

Sophia passed away after becoming distressed in the wave pool on Thursday, July 24. According to the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy confirmed her cause of death as accidental freshwater drowning. The office also noted there was no underlying medical event involved.

The young girl was pulled from the water by lifeguards and transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts at the scene.

Sophia was known for her bright personality and compassionate spirit. Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas shared a touching tribute, saying he was “deeply moved” by the turnout at the funeral and the powerful sense of community support.

“Hearing people recount how Sophia was bubbly, kind, full of life, always greeting others with ‘Namaste’ and warm hugs—these heartfelt memories painted a vivid portrait of her gentle soul and left everyone in tears and awe,” he said. “Her family described the loss as an irreparable chasm in their hearts.”

Douglas added that the community is committed to carrying Sophia’s memory forward through memorial efforts, water safety awareness, and acts of love.

State Senator Patty Kim echoed the community’s grief and support. “I will continue to pray for comfort and healing for her family,” she said, praising the solidarity shown by Sophia’s school and local Bhutanese residents.

Tilak Niroula, Chairman of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg, remembered Sophia as a warm, polite, and outspoken child. “She was a really beautiful little girl—always respectful and kind,” he told PEOPLE. “When she saw someone new walking by, she always wanted to stop and say hello.”

Sophia dreamed of becoming a teacher one day. Her loss has left her parents and 5-year-old sister in deep mourning. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the family through this difficult time.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts CEO John Lawn released a statement reaffirming the company’s focus on safety. “To every family who visits Hersheypark, please know this: your safety and well-being drive every decision we make,” he said. “We will thoroughly investigate this tragedy and honor the memory of this young guest by continuing our commitment to guest safety.”

The Derry Township Police Department said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing and a final review is expected by the end of the week. “Our hearts are with the family and friends of this young life, lost too soon,” they said.