SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - An eighth grader from Springfield is dead — after drowning during a school field trip to a Connecticut day camp. Granby Police has released his identity for the first time; his name is Emari Marshall-Woodard, he was 14 years old.

Emari was a student at Springfield Public Schools — according to a father who reached out to Western Mass News, his son described Emari as “a great kid.” On Wednesday afternoon, Emari was on a field trip to High Meadow Day Camp in Granby, Connecticut when something went wrong in the pool. Granby Police said they got the call at 2:27 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

We just learned Emari’s name moments ago — and with it, this story becomes even more real for this community. Emari Marshall-Woodard went on a field trip Wednesday and never came home.

His death is leaving students, parents and teachers across this district asking how they help their kids through something like this. A Simsbury Police officer worked a private detail at the camp was first to respond — rushing to the pool and starting care before other first responders arrived.

Granby Ambulance transported Emari to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. He died there Wednesday evening — he was 14 years old.

Other students witnessed the drowning. The emotional toll was immediate — ambulances from Granby, Windsor Locks, Simsbury and Suffield all responded as numerous students were overcome with emotion at the scene. Granby Police said they are still investigating what led up to the drowning.

There is also a new question this evening about the camp itself, High Meadow holds a youth camp license — but Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood said its licensed summer camp season doesn’t begin until June 22nd.

The State of Connecticut said Wednesday’s incident did not occur during licensed camp operations — but the office is now investigating how this may affect High Meadow’s ability to operate this summer.

In a statement to Western Mass News, Springfield Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall called the loss “heartbreaking” and said counselors and support staff are being made available to students and staff who need help processing this tragedy. Dr. Dinnall also offered condolences to Emari’s family, friends, classmates and everyone impacted by his loss.

Western Mass News has reached out to Emari’s family — his mother did thank us for the condolences, but we have not received as statement from the at this time.

We are also working to speak with a father and his son who was friends with Emari — and we will bring you that interview as soon as it becomes available. They did describe him as a great kid to Western Mass News.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.