The family of Victoria King, a 6-year-old student from McGarity Elementary School in Paulding County, is grieving the tragic loss of their young daughter, who died during a field trip in Polk County. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when Victoria was found unresponsive in a pool while on a field trip at Carlton Farms in Rockmart. Her family is left searching for answers and mourning the unexplained circumstances surrounding her death.
What Happened
Victoria King, a bright and joyful child, was among a group of students on a field trip to Carlton Farms when the tragedy occurred. Around noon, a staff member noticed Victoria was missing from the group. After a search, she was discovered in a pool located on the property, which was not part of the field trip activities. Authorities confirmed that the child was unresponsive when found and was later pronounced dead at Atrium Floyd Medical Center.
The family is devastated by the events and struggling to understand how Victoria ended up in the pool, which they say was unguarded and potentially unsecured. The pool was not part of the scheduled activities for the field trip, and the family is grappling with questions about how the area was accessed by students.
Family’s Statement
In their first public statement since the incident, Victoria’s family expressed their deep grief and confusion over the circumstances of her death. The family voiced their frustration at not receiving direct support or condolences from McGarity Elementary, stating that despite a general letter sent to the school community, the parents had not been contacted personally by the school to offer comfort during this difficult time.
“The family is still in deep grief and struggling with unanswered questions. They have not been told how school staff lost track of her, how she got to the pool, or how long she was there,” the family said. “What has made it even harder is that no one from McGarity Elementary has personally reached out.”
The family thanked the Rockmart Walmart community for their outreach and support, emphasizing the importance of having people around them during such a challenging period. “The family continues to hope that the truth will come out and that justice will be served for Victoria.”
Investigation and Community Support
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), is investigating the circumstances surrounding Victoria’s death. The GBI was requested to assist with the investigation on Thursday, October 9, 2025. As of now, no new details have been released regarding the findings.
Principal Jamesa Hodge of McGarity Elementary shared a heartfelt letter with the school community, offering condolences to Victoria’s family and informing them that counseling and bereavement support services would be available to students and staff.
The staff at Carlton Farms, where the field trip took place, also posted a statement on Facebook expressing their devastation over the incident. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken from the recent tragic event that occurred on our farm. We covet your prayers of comfort for the family, school, and all those who were in attendance,” the statement read. Activities at the farm have been postponed as the staff continues to grieve.
Community and School Support
The school district has pledged to offer counseling and bereavement support services to all students and staff affected by this tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing, and the family is awaiting answers to the many questions left by the incident.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
