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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 9, 2025 @ 9:11 AM ET
Update: The Polk County Police Department has confirmed that a staff member noticed a 6-year-old girl was missing during the field trip. They later found her unresponsive in a pool on the property. The investigation is ongoing.
POLK COUNTY, Ga. – A Paulding County elementary school student died Wednesday after being found unresponsive during a field trip to Carlton Farms, according to officials.
Carlton Farms is a family-owned farm in Polk County. The farm is a popular destination for families and school field trips, particularly during the fall season. The farm features pumpkins for sale, a children’s play area, a corn maze, hayrides, and a pond on the property.
Polk County Police said officers and emergency crews were called to an address on Cartersville Highway around 12:16 p.m. for reports of a juvenile girl who was not breathing. When first responders arrived, bystanders were already performing lifesaving measures.
Medical personnel took over and transported the child to a nearby hospital. The Polk County coroner said the child was pronounced dead at Atrium Floyd Medical Center.
Officials have not identified the student.
No details have been released yet on how the child died.
School district officials confirmed the child was a McGarity Elementary School student visiting Carlton Farms with classmates. 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.
In a message to families, Principal Jamesa Hodge called it a “profoundly sad time” for the school community.
Hodge wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share that one of our students has passed away while on a class field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart. Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones.”
Hodge encouraged families to talk with their children about grief and said absences would be excused for those who choose to stay home to process the loss.
She said: “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 Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it had been requested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the death investigation.
This is a developing story. We will continue to follow it and provide updates as more information is released.