A community in Georgia is grappling with an unimaginable loss after 6-year-old Victoria King, a first grader at McGarity Elementary School, died during a school field trip to Carlton Farms in Rockmart on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. What was intended to be a day of educational exploration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when Victoria was found unresponsive in a pool on the farm property.
The field trip was organized to allow students to experience farm life firsthand, including activities like petting baby animals and hayrides. Around noon, staff members realized Victoria was missing. A search ensued, and she was discovered in a pool beside a residence on the farm. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders and emergency responders to revive her, Victoria was pronounced dead at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center in Rome.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have launched a joint investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Victoria’s death. Preliminary findings suggest that the young girl drowned, but official conclusions are pending. The pool where she was found was not part of the scheduled activities, raising questions about its accessibility and supervision during the trip.
Victoria’s family is devastated and seeking answers. In a statement, they expressed confusion and sorrow over how school staff lost track of her and how she ended up in the pool. They also noted that no one from McGarity Elementary personally reached out to offer condolences or support, which has compounded their grief. In contrast, the local community, including businesses like the Rockmart Walmart, have shown an outpouring of compassion and support.
The owners of Carlton Farms have also expressed their sorrow, stating that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” by the incident. They have paused all activities at the farm as they cooperate with investigators and mourn the loss.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief and support for Victoria’s family. A funeral service was held on Monday, bringing together friends, family, and community members to honor the life of a young girl whose potential was tragically cut short. The incident has sparked broader discussions about safety protocols during school outings and the responsibilities of both educational institutions and event venues in ensuring the well-being of children.
In the days following the tragedy, McGarity Elementary School Principal Jamesa Hodge issued a letter to the school community, offering condolences and announcing counseling services for students and staff. The school district has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. As the community continues to mourn, they hold onto the hope that the truth will emerge and that justice will be served for Victoria.