Dollywood, the beloved theme park nestled in the scenic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, was recently the site of an emergency incident that led to a quick and heroic response from an off-duty police officer.
Known for its thrilling rides, live entertainment, and deep connection to Dolly Parton’s Appalachian roots, Dollywood is one of the country’s top attractions. But as with any busy theme park, incidents can happen, and this latest event sparked immediate action from an unlikely source—a vacationing officer.
Sergeant Paul DeSousa, a Florida police officer visiting Dollywood, sprung into action after encountering a young guest in distress.
According to The Oakland Press, an employee at the park was attempting to administer the Heimlich maneuver to the boy, who was struggling to breathe. DeSousa, hearing cries for help, quickly took over the situation, assessing the boy’s condition. While no object was visible in the child’s mouth or throat, the boy’s face had started to turn blue, and he was not breathing.
Without hesitation, Sergeant DeSousa began performing CPR. Soon after, a paramedic, also vacationing at Dollywood, joined him in assisting the boy. Their combined efforts restored the child’s breathing, and the color gradually returned to his face. The two stayed with the boy until an ambulance arrived to take him to further medical care, ensuring his safety during the critical moments.
This emergency incident is just the latest in a series of unexpected events at Dollywood this year. In July, a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding at the park, leading to a guest sustaining injuries and multiple cars being submerged, with one group even dismantling a fence to exit safely after a tree fell and blocked a road. The park’s response to the flood was met with mixed reactions from visitors, some of whom felt there was a lack of staff coordination during the crisis.
Additionally, Dollywood faced another closure earlier that same month due to a water main leak, as well as an early closure due to extreme cold weather last week.
When the park is open and operating as usual, Dollywood offers a thrilling lineup of rides that attract visitors from across the country. From high-speed roller coasters like Lightning Rod (which previously held the title of the world’s fastest wooden coaster until it transitioned into a steel coaster) to the soaring heights of The Wild Eagle, one of the most popular attractions, Dollywood delivers heart-pounding experiences for adrenaline seekers.
The park’s rides are complemented by immersive, family-friendly attractions, plus experiences inspired by the “Dreamer in Chief” herself, Dolly Parton. Earlier this year, the park debuted the Dolly Parton Experience, a bigger and better exploration of Parton’s life and career compared to its predecessor, the Chasing Rainbows Museum.
Are you visiting Dollywood this Christmas?
