Girl, 6, Drowns in Farm Pool During Field Trip

A Georgia community is reeling after a 6-year-old girl from McGarity Elementary School in Hiram tragically drowned during a school field trip to a local farm on October 8.

The first-grade student was found unresponsive in a swimming pool at Carlton Farms, a family-run agricultural attraction in Rockmart, Georgia — about an hour northwest of Atlanta.

What was supposed to be a day of hayrides, baby animals, and fresh air ended in chaos when a teacher realized shortly before noon that one of the students was missing. According to Polk County officials, a search quickly began — and moments later, the girl was discovered in a pool near a private residence on the farm’s property.

“Someone shouted for help, and everything stopped,” recalled Katie Hughes, a parent chaperone on the trip. “People ran. It was just awful. I mean, anything with any person is awful, but kids—it’s awful.”

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene around 12:06 p.m. after receiving a report of “a juvenile who was not breathing.” Bystanders were already performing CPR when first responders arrived, according to a statement from the Polk County Police Department.

Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene and at the hospital, the young girl could not be revived. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that an autopsy is underway.

McGarity Elementary School Principal Jamesa Hodge sent a letter to families expressing heartbreak and urging parents to reach out if their children need emotional support.

“Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones,” Hodge wrote. “As our school community processes this tragedy, we will offer counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff.”

A digital sign outside the school now reads just one word: Pray.

The Paulding County School District has offered condolences but declined to say how many chaperones were present or how long the child had been missing before she was found.

Polk County Police confirmed that their Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case. “This is still an active investigation,” a department spokesperson said.

Carlton Farms, located next to Rockmart High School, is a well-known spot for school excursions across North Georgia. The farm’s website advertises educational tours with hayrides, petting barns, and even cow-milking demonstrations.

Now, the rustic property has become the center of a devastating tragedy that has left parents demanding answers.

“I keep thinking about that little girl’s parents,” said Hughes. “They sent her off to have fun, to learn about animals—and she never came home.”

As grief counselors meet with students and teachers, the small town is rallying around the child’s family.

“This is a difficult time for all of us,” Principal Hodge wrote. “But I know our McGarity community will come together with compassion and care as we remember our classmate.”

Authorities have not released the girl’s name at the family’s request.