Girl, 6, died after going to get her tonsils out, days before she was due to start first grade

By ALEX HAMMER, US MEDIA CORRESPONDENT Published: 23:53, 31 July 2026 | Updated: 04:33, 1 August 2026 A six-year-old Georgia girl who died after going in for a 'routine tonsillectomy,' was just weeks away from starting the first grade, friends and relatives grappling with the sudden loss have revealed.  Bartow County School District officials said Emersyn 'Emmy' Bridgers had already 'picked out her rose-themed outfit for Open House' at Euharlee Elementary School next week. Her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Rose, called Emmy 'Little Mama' because of the care and compassion she showed her classmates, according to a statement sent out Thursday. The family has set up a GoFundMe account for funeral and burial arrangements and said Emmy passed away Monday after she 'went in' for the scheduled surgery. The Bartow County Coroner’s Office said the surgery did not end up happening. The family told WXIA-TV that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is now conducting an autopsy on the young girl. Bartow County Coroner Joel Guyton told WSB-TV that they are currently waiting on medical records to see treatment Emmy received before dying. Tonsillectomies are common procedures and serious complications are rare.  Family members are mourning Emersyn 'Emmy' Bridgers, who passed away Monday during preparations for the pre-scheduled surgery Emersyn 'Emmy' Bridgers was just weeks away from starting the first grade, friends and relatives grappling with the loss said 'Emmy was a bright light in everyone who knew her's life, she was kind, happy, and loving to everyone around her,' her family told WXIA-TV. Alvis Miller & Sons Funeral Home - a local business - has volunteered to handle Emmy’s funeral arrangements free of charge, WSB-TV reported Friday. A date has not been scheduled because of the autopsy, the family told WXIA-TV on Thursday, asking 'for bikers to ride in her procession' when it does occur. The family asked for prospective participants 'to wear pink for Emmy’s final ride.' 'We want to pink it out for her. I know we can all come together to help this family. Once a date has been picked I will update for riders.' A family friend wrote in their fundraiser: 'Emersyn Paisleigh Bridgers was a light in every life she touched and such a loving child.' 'Even at such a young age, she had a special way of looking after others, making everyone feel included, and lending a helping hand whenever she could,' Bartow County Schools officials said in their statement.  'Emmy was one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Bartow County Coroner for more information.