PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A McGarity Elementary School student died on Wednesday during a field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart.
The Polk County Police Department confirmed to Channel 2’s Bryan Mims that a staff member noticed a 6-year-old girl was missing. They later found her unresponsive in a pool on the property.
Bystanders started CPR. The girl later died at the hospital. Officials have not identified the student.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Paulding County School District expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the student and is offering counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff as they cope with the loss.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones,” principal Jamesa Hodge wrote in a letter to the school community. “This is a difficult time for all of us, but I know our McGarity community will come together with compassion and care as we remember our classmate.”
The letter also offered support for families who might choose to keep their children at home to help them process the loss, stating that such absences would be excused.
The school said it is committed to supporting every student’s emotional well-being, with counselors available to assist those who may be struggling with grief.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it has been asked to assist with the death investigation.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
