A Georgia community is mourning after a 6-year-old girl drowned in a swimming pool during a school field trip in Rockmart on Wednesday. Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of the McGarity Elementary School student.
According to officials, the child — whose name has not been released — was reported missing around noon by a staff member during a visit to Carlton Farms in Rockmart.
A statement from the Polk County public information office said the search ended tragically when the child was found unresponsive in a pool beside a residence. The exact details of that location remain unclear.
Bystanders immediately began life-saving efforts until medical personnel arrived and took over. The child was then transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
In a statement to the Tampa Free Press, the school district expressed its condolences and announced plans to provide counseling and bereavement support for students and staff:
“During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff. The school district offers its deepest condolences to family and friends during this extremely painful time.”
McGarity Elementary School Principal Jamesa Hodge also addressed the tragedy, saying the school’s focus remains on supporting its students:
“Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones. As our school community processes this tragedy, we will offer counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff.”
Hodge encouraged parents to reach out if their children need help coping, adding,
“Our counselors are available to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if your child needs additional support.”
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