Two Dead, Seven Children Injured in ATV Accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — A tragic accident at the Indian Mountain ATV Park in Cherokee County has left two people dead and seven others, all children, injured following a multi-vehicle collision on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
According to authorities, the victims have been identified as Marcus Ragland and Ashley Hawkins, both of Rome, Georgia.
Details of the Incident
Investigators say the crash occurred when two ATVs collided inside the park. Following the initial collision, the male driver of one of the vehicles — identified as Ragland — attempted to drive away from the scene. He traveled approximately 150 feet down a trail before his ATV lost control, rolled over, and struck a tree. Ragland suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald.
The second victim, Ashley Hawkins, was severely injured in the accident. She was airlifted by medical helicopter to a trauma center in Birmingham, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency crews faced a challenging scene as bystanders rushed to assist. Witnesses used another ATV to help roll over the crashed vehicle in an effort to free entrapped victims before rescue teams arrived.
In total, four medical helicopters responded to the incident, along with multiple ambulances. Seven children were transported to nearby hospitals with varying injuries. Three were transported by ground ambulance, while others were flown to medical facilities for advanced care.
Extent of Damage and Investigation
While two passengers in the second ATV escaped without injury, their vehicle sustained significant damage. Reports indicate that Ragland has been ruled at fault in the crash. Authorities confirmed that a toxicology draw was taken from Ragland, and results are pending.
Coroner McDonald told WEIS Radio News that the combination of speed and reckless driving played a role in the severity of the crash.
Community Impact
The accident has shaken the community and raised new concerns about ATV safety, particularly at popular recreational parks like Indian Mountain, which regularly draws large crowds of families and off-road enthusiasts.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the collision. Updates will be provided as toxicology results are returned and as the condition of the injured children is clarified.