Photo: Larry French / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
A heart-stopping incident unfolded at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania when a young boy was seen walking along the park's monorail track. The boy had been reported missing after becoming separated from his parents on Saturday (August 30). According to Hersheypark, the monorail ride was closed and secured with a chained closure and barricaded turnstile at the time of the incident.
John Sampson, a Pennsylvania father, quickly became a hero when he sprang into action to rescue the child. In a now-viral video, Sampson is seen extending his arms to help the boy as onlookers cheered below. "I just think I'm a guy who, once again, right place, right time, saw a child in need and wanted to help," Sampson said. He described the moment as heart-stopping and explained that his instincts as a father kicked in.
The child was spotted on the track about 20 minutes after being reported missing. Park officials responded immediately, and the boy was safely reunited with his parents around 5:30 p.m. Hersheypark expressed gratitude for the vigilance of its guests and the swift response of its team.
Sampson, a veterinarian, is used to acting quickly to save animals and now people too. He said the child's family reached out to thank him, though Hersheypark has not contacted him directly.
This incident comes just over a month after a tragic event at the park where a nine-year-old girl drowned in the wave pool, which was ruled accidental. A police review concluded that the park upheld safety standards during that incident.