When you think of Hershey, Pennsylvania, you usually think of chocolate bars, the smell of roasted cocoa beans wafting through the air, and the adrenaline rush of world-class roller coasters. It feels safe. It feels like childhood. But for those who have lived in the Central PA area for decades, there is a somber shadow that occasionally resurfaces in conversation: the tragic accidents of the past. Specifically, people often ask, how did the girl die at Hersheypark, referring to a few specific incidents that changed the way the park operates today.
It’s a heavy topic. People want to know because they care about safety, or maybe because they’re planning a trip and want to feel secure. Truthfully, when we look at the history of any major amusement park that has been open for over a century, there are bound to be dark days.
At Hersheypark, the most notable and frequently cited tragedy involving a young girl happened in the spring of 2006.
The 2006 Comet Incident: A Day That Changed Everything
It was May 2006. The park was gearing up for a busy summer season. A 14-year-old girl named Michelle DeShong was visiting with a group. She wasn't on a high-speed, looping inverted coaster. She was on The Comet.
The Comet is a classic. It’s a wooden coaster, built in 1946, known for its "airtime" hills and that specific rattling charm that only old woodies have. It isn't the fastest ride in the park by a long shot. But that day, something went terribly wrong.
Michelle didn't die from a mechanical failure. The track didn't break. The train didn't derail. According to the official reports and the subsequent investigations by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture—which oversees ride safety in the state—she collapsed after the ride ended.
Reports indicated she was found unresponsive in the loading station. Emergency personnel rushed to her. They did everything they could. She was transported to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is literally right down the hill from the park. Despite their efforts, she passed away.
What the Autopsy Revealed
Naturally, the public wanted answers. Was it the ride? Was it the heat?
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The autopsy later revealed that the cause of death was not trauma from the roller coaster itself. Instead, it was a pre-existing medical condition. Michelle had an enlarged heart, a condition known as cardiomyopathy. For someone with this condition, the physical stress and adrenaline surge of a roller coaster can trigger a fatal cardiac event. It’s a terrifying reality for families who might not even know their child has an underlying issue.
This wasn't a case of Hersheypark being negligent. It was a case of a tragic medical coincidence. But it sparked a massive conversation about ride warnings and the inherent risks for those with "hidden" conditions.
Other Incidents and the 1980 Trailblazer Tragedy
When people search for how did the girl die at Hersheypark, they are sometimes conflating different stories or looking for the 1980 accident. That one was different. It involved a 10-year-old girl on the Trailblazer, a runaway mine train style coaster.
In this instance, the girl reportedly fainted or suffered a medical episode while on the ride. When the train returned to the station, she was found to be in distress. Like the 2006 incident, this wasn't about a belt breaking or a car flying off the tracks. It was a medical emergency that occurred in the seat of a ride.
Wait. Let's be clear about something.
Amusement parks are statistically some of the safest places you can be. You are more likely to be injured driving to the park than you are on a ride at the park. But when a child dies, statistics don't matter. The emotional weight is massive.
Why Do These Questions Still Surface?
The internet has a long memory.
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You see these stories pop up on TikTok or Reddit threads every few months. Usually, they are framed as "scary theme park secrets." Honestly, it's kinda frustrating because it often ignores the medical reality of these situations to favor a "killer coaster" narrative.
Hersheypark, like Cedar Point or Six Flags, operates under incredibly strict regulations. In Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards is notoriously thorough. Every bolt is checked. Every sensor is tested. When you hear about an accident, your brain immediately goes to Final Destination scenarios, but the reality is usually much more mundane and much more tragic—human frailty.
Safety Standards and Modern Precautions
Since these incidents, Hersheypark has significantly ramped up its signage. You've seen them. Those big boards at the entrance of every ride with the red circles and slashes.
- Heart Conditions: Every major ride explicitly warns against riding if you have high blood pressure or heart trouble.
- Physical Restrictions: Braces, casts, and certain physical builds are monitored closely by ride operators.
- Medical Staffing: The park has a dedicated Life Lion EMS station and roaming medical teams that can reach any part of the park in minutes.
The 2006 incident with Michelle DeShong actually led to broader discussions across the industry about the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in parks. Today, they are everywhere. They are in the stations, near the restaurants, and in the midways.
The Reality of Risk at Amusement Parks
We have to talk about the "thrill" factor. People go to Hershey to be scared in a controlled environment. Rides like Skyrush or Wildcat’s Revenge pull significant G-forces.
For 99.9% of people, these forces are a fun rush. For someone with an undiagnosed heart defect, those G-forces can be a trigger. It’s why those "boring" warning signs are actually the most important thing in the park.
I've talked to ride enthusiasts who remember the 2006 event vividly. The park actually closed The Comet for a short period out of respect and to conduct a full inspection. They found zero mechanical issues. The ride is still operating today, a testament to its safety record, though it now carries the weight of that history.
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What You Should Do Before Heading to the Park
If you're worried about safety, don't just look at the ride. Look at the rider.
Honestly, the best thing any parent or visitor can do is a quick health check. If your kid has been complaining of chest pain, or if there’s a family history of heart issues, maybe skip the high-intensity stuff. It sounds overly cautious, but it’s the reality of how these tragedies happen.
- Read the Signage: Don't ignore the "Proscribed Conditions" list. They aren't there to cover the park's legal tracks; they are there because people have actually died from ignoring them.
- Hydrate: Heat exhaustion can mimic or exacerbate cardiac stress. In the Pennsylvania humidity, this is a real factor.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel lightheaded after a ride, sit the next one out. Don't "power through" for the sake of the group.
The story of the girl at Hersheypark isn't one of a haunted ride or a negligent corporation. It’s a story about the intersection of high-intensity entertainment and the unpredictability of human health.
Hersheypark remains one of the most visited and safest parks in the world. They handle millions of "cycles" (ride rotations) every year without incident. But the memory of those who didn't come home serves as a permanent reminder for the park's safety teams to never, ever get complacent.
If you are planning a visit, check the current safety guidelines on the official Hersheypark app before you arrive. It provides real-time updates on ride closures and safety requirements for every attraction from the Teacups to Candymonium. Stay informed, respect the machinery, and prioritize your health over the thrill.
Actionable Safety Steps for Your Next Trip
- Download the Official App: Check the "Ride Sensory Guide" which breaks down the physical intensity of every ride.
- Locate First Aid: Upon entering the park, note the location of the First Aid stations (usually near the Pioneer Frontier and the Boardwalk).
- Check the Weather: Avoid high-thrill rides during the peak heat of the day (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) to reduce cardiovascular strain.
- Consult a Physician: If you or your child have ever had an abnormal EKG or fainting spells, get a medical clearance before visiting a major thrill park.
The legacy of past accidents isn't just a grim story; it's the foundation of the modern safety protocols that keep millions of families safe every summer. By understanding what really happened, we can appreciate the precautions in place today.