The drowning of a 9-year-old girl at Hersheypark has been classified as accidental, with no evidence of wrongdoing by park employees, according to local authorities. Sophia Subedi drowned on July 24 in the wave pool at the Pennsylvania amusement park, as reported by the Derry Township Police Department.

An investigation by police determined that the park met safety standards. The number of visitors in the wave pool at the time of the incident was significantly below its maximum capacity. The police statement released on Friday confirmed these findings.

At the time of the incident, Hersheypark had 10 lifeguards stationed at the wave pool. Witnesses and lifeguards acted quickly, beginning rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia in distress, police said.

The Derry Township Police Department, along with witnesses, park staff, and first responders, expressed their condolences to Sophia's family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this challenging time.

John Lawn, CEO of Hersheypark, also expressed sorrow over the incident. "Our hearts break for this child and the child's family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss," he stated on July 24. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of park-goers are the primary focus of the park's operations.