Sophia Subedi GoFundMe raises over $16,000 as family identify 9-year-old who died at Hershepark

The community is coming together for the family of nine-year-old Sophia Subedi, who died last week in a tragic accident at Hersheypark amusement park’s The Boardwalk waterpark. A memorial fundraiser has raised more than $16,000 in donations.

Sophia Subedi, a lively fourth grader who studied at the North Side Elementary in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died by accidental drowning at the park’s wave pool on July 24, officials say.

Sophia was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Pennsylvania in 2022, soon becoming well-liked for her kindness, love of reading, and aspirations of becoming a teacher.

A family representative with the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg (BCH) confirmed the name of the 9-year-old girl who died at Hersheypark. Sophia Subedi died while visiting the Boardwalk at Hersheypark last Thursday. #hersheypark #panews pic.twitter.com/g8pnQ57y1U

— WGAL (@WGAL) July 28, 2025

According to NBC Philadelphia, Hersheypark said Sophia was rescued from the wave pool at The Boardwalk and that lifeguards and medics tried to save her before she was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and pronounced dead. CPR was performed immediately, and a witness described her as limp when she was pulled out.

The park, which had 100 lifeguards staffed for duty that day, 10 of whom were assigned to the wave pool, said it was conducting an internal review and cooperating with the authorities. The wave pool was also closed the next day.

"Our hearts break for this child and the child’s family... We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not release any personal details at this time." Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company CEO John Lawn said in a statement.

A look into the GoFundMe campaign established to aid Sophia Subedi's family and the ongoing investigation

A GoFundMe set up by family friend Sri Adhikari has already raised more than $16,000 to pay for Sophia Subedi's funeral and also for a permanent memorial to her. The campaign characterizes her as an empathetic child who adored dancing, singing, and helping others.

"Those who knew Sophia remember her not just for her brilliance and curiosity, but also for her compassion. She made friends easily and looked out for others — often the first to offer help, share her snacks, or hold someone’s hand when they were scared or sad," the campaign read.

 

 

 

 

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The fundraiser also states that the family aims to establish future support for children’s safety initiatives or a memorial space in her name.

"We hope to turn this loss into a legacy — perhaps by supporting children's safety initiatives, advocating for awareness, or creating a small space in her name where kids and families can feel safe, loved, and connected," it added.

Officials have said the death was ruled an accidental drowning that did not follow a previous medical event, but it has raised questions about water safety at public attractions.

Hersheypark CEO John Lawn and park employees present at the time have stressed that guest safety is the park’s highest priority. Sophia’s funeral is scheduled for July 30 in Harrisburg.