Tragic Incident Claims Life of 6-Year-Old During School Field Trip

Children in a peaceful school environment reflecting community support.

News Summary

A devastating incident occurred during a school field trip when a 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary School tragically died at Carlton Farms. The young girl, who was found unresponsive during the trip, was quickly transported to a hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries. In light of the tragedy, the school has provided counseling services for students and staff affected by the loss, while an investigation has been launched by local authorities. The community is mourning this heartbreaking event and offering support to the family.


Paulding County, Georgia – A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday when a 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary School died during a field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart. The event, which involved the young girl visiting the farm with her classmates, led to the launching of a criminal investigation by Polk County police.

Officers received a distress call just after 12 p.m. regarding a girl who was not breathing. They were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they found the student unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts that had already been initiated by adults present at the location, the girl was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

In response to the tragedy, Principal Jamesa Hodge reached out to families to express condolences and reinforce the school’s support during this difficult time. The school intends to offer counseling and bereavement support services to students and staff who were affected by the events.

Parents have been encouraged to keep their children home if needed for emotional support, recognizing this as an excused absence. The school has made counselors available to assist students grappling with the loss.

The community surrounding McGarity Elementary School is coming together as they grapple with this heartbreaking event. The family and staff at Carlton Farms also expressed their devastation over the incident through a Facebook post, extending their sorrow to the girl’s family. Currently, the name of the young student has not been publicly released.

Authorities involved in the investigation, including those from the Rockmart and Cedartown Police Departments as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public while the investigation continues.

This incident highlights the potentially dangerous situations that can arise during school activities and the importance of safety measures in providing a secure environment for children. The community reaction has reflected a deep sense of grief, underscoring the emotional toll this event has taken on parents, students, and educators alike.

As the investigation unfolds, parents, educators, and community members will be watching closely to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to support the affected families as they cope with this devastating loss.

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STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER

The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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