12-year-old hit by falling tree at town festival, sheriff’s office says

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) – A 12-year-old girl was hospitalized this weekend after a portion of a tree fell on her at a town arts and crafts festival in Georgia, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said 12-year-old Claudia Bacon was seriously hurt when the tree, along with limbs from another tree, fell on her Sunday at the Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival after the midday storms.

Deputies and firefighters jumped into action to help within seconds of the girl being injured, according to the sheriff’s office.

“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,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.

According to a family friend, Claudia has a fractured skull, bruised lung, and broken rib.

Her family said on GoFundMe she’s already undergone a blood transfusion and doctors are treating her skull fracture and other injuries.

“Our biggest prayer at the moment is that she starts moving the left side of her body. She has been able to squeeze her Mama‘s hand on cue, respond to questions with a slight head nod, and wiggle her toes. At one point, she was able to give a thumbs up! This is major progress,” Julie Stewart told Atlanta News First. “The doctors are stating she is recovering more quickly than what is typical for other children with these types of injuries. Miracles are happening!”

According to her family, Claudia is a straight “A” honor student, a chorus member, and is known for her joyful and funny attitude.