Staff Report

A 12-year-old boy tragically passed away at a hospital after suffering a medical emergency at Wild Rivers water park in Irvine, according to officials.

The Orange County Fire Authority responded to an emergency call at 11:07 a.m. on Saturday at Wild Rivers, located at 10000 Great Park Blvd., reported Capt. Thanh Nguyen. Paramedics provided immediate medical assistance at the scene before transporting the boy to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Irvine Police Department mentioned that the incident does not appear to be water-related, although the exact nature of the medical emergency was not revealed.

In a statement on Instagram, Wild Rivers confirmed that the boy experienced a medical issue outside one of the pools. The park expressed their sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to share that an incident occurred today at Wild Rivers. Despite the swift response from our team and emergency services, he sadly passed away later at the hospital. Our hearts go out to the boy’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Wild Rivers initially opened in July 1986 at the former site of Lion Country Safari. It closed in September 2011 after its lease with the Irvine Company ended but reopened in Irvine’s Great Park on July 10, 2022.