The Lantern Media Group

Serving the Carolinas and beyond follow us for the history and mysteries but stick around for the inside scoop on the destinations, food and dining, and attractions.

Follow Me

The 1987 Carowinds Wave Pool Shooting

On June 7, 1987, a horrible tragedy unfolded at the popular Carowinds amusement park on the North and South Carolina state border when two girls were struck by stray bullets while playing in the wave pool in the Ocean Island section.

A 16-year-old from Rock Hill was killed in the incident, while a 6-year-old from nearby Charlotte was critically injured when struck in the abdomen.

About 2,000 people were in the Ocean Island section that day. The victims were approximately 50 to 75 feet apart when they were struck.

The shots were reportedly fired from an AK-47, from a half mile away.

Written By: John G. Clark Jr.