Full Breakdown
Bucks County Father Rescues Child from Hersheypark Monorail Tracks
9/3/2025, 1:08:42 AM
Dramatic Rescue at Hersheypark
On August 30, 2025, John Sampson, a veterinarian from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, executed a dramatic rescue of a young boy who was found wandering on the elevated monorail tracks at Hersheypark. The incident unfolded when the boy, who is believed to be autistic, became separated from his parents and accessed a secured area of the park, walking along the tracks approximately 20 feet above the ground. Witnesses reported that the boy appeared disoriented and frightened, prompting screams from bystanders.
Quick Thinking and Action
Sampson, who was at the park with his family, noticed the boy while watching his children on rides. He described the moment as instinctual, stating, “Dad instincts kicked in, and then [I was] just trying to figure things out and how to get up there as fast as possible.” He quickly climbed onto the roof of a nearby snack stand and leaped onto the tracks, where he extended his arms to the child, reassuring him, “You’re OK, I’ve got you now.” The rescue was captured on video, which later went viral, showing the crowd erupting in cheers as Sampson safely brought the boy down.
Official Responses and Safety Concerns
Hersheypark officials confirmed that the monorail was not operational at the time and had been secured with a chained gate and barricaded turnstile. They expressed gratitude for the vigilance of park guests and the swift response of their team, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining high safety standards. The park stated, “We are grateful for the vigilance of our guests and the swift response of our team.”
Community Reaction and Awareness
The incident has sparked discussions about the risks of wandering among children with autism. The National Autism Association highlighted that wandering is a common behavior for children on the spectrum, with tragic outcomes occurring nationally. Sampson’s actions not only prevented a potential tragedy but also raised awareness about the dangers associated with wandering.
Criticism and Opposition
While many praised Sampson's bravery, some critics raised concerns about the park's safety measures, questioning how the child was able to access a restricted area. The incident has prompted calls for increased safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just think I'm a guy who, once again, right place, right time, saw a child in need and wanted to help,” — John Sampson, Rescuer
- “We started to hear screams, not the kind of happy screams you expect to hear at Hersheypark. It was like true, terrifying screams.” — Stephanie Ravin, Sampson's Wife
- “Thank goodness he came straight into my arms, and it went nice and simple in that sense.” — John Sampson, Rescuer
The boy was later reunited with his family, and Sampson received thanks from the child's parents for his quick actions. As the community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in public spaces.
