Rockmart, GA – A community in Hiram, Georgia is confronting heartbreaking news after a 6-year-old McGarity Elementary School student died during a school field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart last Wednesday.
Georgia Elementary School Grieves Loss of Young Student
Authorities say officers were dispatched to Cartersville Highway around 12:06 p.m. following a report of “a juvenile who was not breathing.” According to the Polk County Police Department, the child was found unresponsive in a pool on the property beside a residence. Bystanders attempted lifesaving measures before medical personnel arrived and transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Missing Student Discovered in Pool
Polk County officials shared that a staff member noticed one of the students was unaccounted for around noon. The young girl was later found in the water. The family has requested that the child’s name remain private. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted.
Ongoing Investigation After Student’s Drowning
The Polk County Police Department stated that its Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case, which remains active. No information was provided about the number of supervisors on the trip or the length of time before the student’s absence was noted.
School Offers Support to Students and Families
In a statement, the Paulding County School District expressed deep sympathy and announced that counseling and bereavement support services will be available to students and staff. Principal Jamesa Hodge, in a letter to families, urged parents to reach out if children need additional help during this difficult period.
“Our counselors are available to help,” Hodge wrote. “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.”
Understanding Legal Rights After a School Trip Drowning
When tragedy strikes during a school outing, families often face grief and uncertainty about what legal steps can be taken. In this interview, Georgia drowning lawyer John Bey discusses the options available to parents after a child’s drowning during a supervised field trip. Their discussion highlights how legal action can provide answers, accountability, and the possibility of preventable change.
Laurence Banville, Esq. (LB): When a child drowns during a supervised school trip, what steps can a family take from a legal perspective?
John Bey, Esq. (JB): Families may have the right to file a wrongful death claim if negligence is involved. This could mean examining the actions of school staff, trip organizers, or property owners to determine if safety protocols were followed.
LB: What key factors are reviewed in these cases?
JB: We look closely at supervision levels, the environment where the incident occurred, and whether proper measures were in place to prevent access to dangerous areas. Witness statements and official reports play a major role in building a case.
LB: How quickly should families speak with legal counsel after such an event?
JB: It’s best to reach out as soon as possible. Prompt action allows attorneys to gather evidence while details are fresh and ensures that deadlines for filing claims are met.
LB: Can these cases also lead to policy changes?
JB: Yes, sometimes litigation prompts schools and property owners to implement stronger safety guidelines, which can help prevent future tragedies.
Legal Support for Families in Times of Loss
Families affected by a drowning tragedy deserve answers and guidance from attorneys who understand both their pain and their rights. If your child was harmed or lost during a supervised school event, our team is here to help you explore every legal option available. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized support during this difficult time.
