Girl Hospitalized After Falling Tree Hits Her At GA Festival

DALLAS, GA — A 12-year-old girl was critically injured after she was struck by a falling tree following rainfall Saturday at the Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival, authorities said.

Part of a tree and limbs from a second tree hit her during the festival at Earl Duncan Park at Paulding Meadows, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office said.

"We know there is a lot of information swirling around on social media and we want to make sure that everyone knows the most accurate information. With that being said, we want our community to know that this post is being made to solicit prayers. Please be in prayer for this young lady and her family," authorities said in a Facebook post.

In a GoFundMe, the family said the girl suffered a fractured skull, bruised lung and a broken rib. Additionally, she required a blood transfusion.

"(She) is a straight A honor student, chorus member, joyful and funny, and has amazing character. She is so strong and she comes from a praying family that believes in the healing power of Jesus," the family wrote in the online fundraiser.

As of Monday, the girl remained hospitalized at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and was in a lot of pain, her family said in the GoFundMe. Though she has made "great progress," her family said she "had a really rough night."

By Sunday, the girl was taken off of a breathing tube, and the family said no surgery was required at that time.

"She did it! Breathing tube is out! Thank you Jesus! She did so good. Sat up in the bed and tried to talk. Oh thank you God! Thank you Holy Spirit. God we give you praise! Thank you for all the prayers. Please keep praying," the family wrote in the GoFundMe.

The Paulding Meadows staff said they were praying for the girl and was "hoping for a full recovery."

Georgia Rep. Joseph Gullett, who represents eastern Paulding and western Cobb County, took to Facebook on Sunday to express his sentiments on the tragedy.

"Our hearts are heavy after hearing about the young girl who was seriously injured by a falling tree at the Paulding Meadows Arts & Crafts Festival yesterday," Gullett said. "Jessica and I are keeping Claudia and her family in our prayers as she fights to recover."

As of early Monday afternoon, nearly $13,000 had been reached of the fundraiser's $16,000 goal.