Hiram, Georgia, October 9, 2025
News Summary
A 6-year-old girl from McGarity Elementary School in Hiram, Georgia, tragically passed away during a field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart. After being reported missing, she was found unresponsive in a pool at the farm, despite attempts of CPR by bystanders. Authorities have stated that the community is not in danger and the school district is providing support for those affected. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into how the incident occurred, raising concerns over safety protocols during school outings.
Hiram, Georgia
A 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary School in Hiram, Georgia, tragically died during a field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart on Wednesday. The young girl, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reported missing by a staff member around noon.
After being reported missing, she was later found unresponsive and not breathing in a pool at the farm. Bystanders had initiated CPR before first responders arrived on the scene. She was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Polk County Police Department has confirmed that there is no ongoing danger to the community following this incident. Meanwhile, the Paulding County School District has expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the student and is providing counseling and bereavement support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Principal’s Communication
Principal Jamesa Hodge has communicated with families regarding the incident, describing the situation as “profoundly sad” and highlighting the compassion within the school community. The school is also allowing absences to be excused for those students who may need time to process the loss.
Ongoing Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to assist with the ongoing investigation into the child’s death. Authorities are looking into how the child managed to wander off unnoticed during the field trip. Resource officers were present at the school to provide support as the community mourned.
Community Response
Community leaders are encouraging conversations around grief and support for families impacted by this heart-wrenching event. The entire community is coming together to heal amidst the sorrow.
Summary
The incident has raised questions regarding safety protocols during school outings, while the community continues to grapple with the loss of a young life.
FAQ
What happened to the 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary?
A 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary School in Hiram, Georgia, died during a field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart on Wednesday. The girl was reported missing by a staff member around noon and was later found unresponsive and not breathing in a pool at the farm. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
What support is being offered to those affected by the tragedy?
The Paulding County School District is providing counseling and bereavement support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy. Additionally, the school is allowing absences to be excused for students who may need time to process the loss.
Is anyone being held responsible for the incident?
Authorities are currently investigating how the child managed to wander off unnoticed during the field trip. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to assist with this investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Age | 6 years old |
| School | McGarity Elementary School |
| Location | Carlton Farms, Rockmart, Georgia |
| Reported Missing | Noon on Wednesday |
| Incident Type | Drowning |
| Status of Investigation | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Drug Raid Uncovers Large Quantity of Narcotics and Firearms
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: School field trip
- WSBTV
- Google Search: Paulding County elementary student death
- AJC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Paulding County field trip incident
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton 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 vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
