Piedmont, Alabama, September 3, 2025

News Summary

A devastating ATV crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Alabama resulted in the deaths of two Georgia residents, 34-year-old Marcus Ragland and 31-year-old Ashley Brooke Hawkins. Additionally, seven children were injured in the incident. Emergency responders faced challenges accessing the scene due to its remote location. Investigators are looking into potential speed and safety regulation violations as the community mourns the loss of the victims and supports the injured children through a GoFundMe campaign.

Piedmont, Alabama – Tragic ATV Crash Claims Lives of Two Georgia Residents and Injures Seven Children at Cherokee County Park

In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Saturday, two Georgia residents lost their lives in an ATV crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Alabama. The victims, 34-year-old Marcus Ragland and 31-year-old Ashley Brooke Hawkins, were part of a group of nine occupants traveling in a side-by-side RZR when their vehicle collided with another RZR shortly before 3:50 p.m.

Emergency calls flooded into Cherokee County authorities as they responded swiftly to the scene. The collision resulted in the RZR overturning and crashing into a tree, a sequence of events that led to severe injuries and tragic outcomes.

Ragland, who was driving the RZR, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Hawkins, a passenger, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries later. Family members confirmed both victims were residents of Rome, Georgia, and expressed their deep sorrow over the loss.

Ragland was reportedly a father to ten children, with two of them being in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Overall, seven children, aged between 1 to 12 years, were injured. Their medical conditions range in seriousness, with three children transported to trauma centers in Birmingham. Four other injured children were transported to Atrium-Floyd Medical Center in Rome for treatment, and some of these young patients have since been discharged.

The other RZR involved in the crash had two occupants who emerged unscathed and attempted to assist the victims. The accident occurred in a more remote area of the park, complicating access for first responders. Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver indicated that Ragland was likely driving at a high rate of speed before colliding with the other ATV, which was trying to navigate away from him to avoid the crash.

As the investigation continues, toxicology results are pending to ascertain whether alcohol contributed to the incident, particularly as Cherokee County has maintained a dry status since Prohibition. Notably, none of the occupants in Ragland’s RZR were wearing safety harnesses or seat belts, despite existing park regulations that mandate such safety measures.

In light of the tragic events, state officials are contemplating advocating for stricter regulations at ATV parks to enhance safety measures. Friends and family of the victims have expressed deep concern for the well-being of the injured children who are now trying to come to terms with the loss of their parents.

To aid the surviving children and their caregivers during this challenging time, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, garnering community support. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, which has seen a significant response from multiple emergency services.

The incident has sent ripples of condolences through the community and has prompted various emergency management officials to reflect on the importance of safety in recreational activities such as ATV riding.

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HERE Resources

Cherokee County ATV Crash Claims Two Lives

Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: All Terrain Vehicles
• AL.com
• Google Search: ATV crash Alabama
• WSB TV
• Google Scholar: ATV accidents
• ABC 7 Chicago
• Encyclopedia Britannica: ATV safety
• CBS 42
• Google News: ATV crash Cherokee County

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.