Cherokee County, Alabama, September 1, 2025
News Summary
A tragic ATV accident in Cherokee County, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of two adults and injuries to seven children. The incident occurred at Indian Mountain ATV Park when two RZR vehicles collided. The authorities are investigating the circumstances and emphasizing ATV safety measures. Community support is growing, with a GoFundMe established to assist affected families.
Cherokee County, Alabama ATV Crash Claims Two Lives, Injures Seven Children
Investigators in Cherokee County, Alabama, are looking into a tragic ATV accident that occurred on Sunday at the Indian Mountain ATV Park, resulting in the deaths of two adults and injuries to seven children. The crash took place in a remote area just west of the Georgia/Alabama state line.
The deceased victims have been identified as Ashley Hawkins and Marcus Ragland. Seven children, whose ages range from 1 to 12 years old, were injured in the collision; four of these children were airlifted to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, while the remaining three were transported to a Birmingham hospital for treatment.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident involved a side-by-side RZR vehicle carrying nine occupants. The vehicle collided with another RZR before overturning and crashing into a tree. Witnesses indicated that the first RZR was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the second RZR, which attempted to evade the impact. Unfortunately, none of the occupants in the first vehicle were wearing safety harnesses, heightening the risk of serious injury.
The driver of the first RZR was pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from the vehicle. Ashley Hawkins lost her battle for life during transport to the hospital. The injuries sustained by the three children in Birmingham included broken bones and bruises; however, they are expected to recover and be released soon. Additionally, a 12-month-old child who was involved in the accident is receiving treatment for various bruising.
Monica Watkins, a family friend who lived with Ashley Hawkins for four years and helped raise her children, shared details about the challenges facing the surviving children who have now lost their parents. Ragland, who was a father to two of Hawkins’ children, had a total of ten children, with two more on the way.
The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director emphasized that while the park has safety rules in place, ensuring compliance can be difficult in such a vast area. The crash site was reportedly hard to access, with emergency responders arriving approximately 18 minutes after the initial 911 call.
In light of this tragic event, authorities are urging awareness about ATV safety and adherence to passenger limits. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the children affected by this horrifying incident, as the community rallies together to provide assistance during this challenging time.
Investigation Status
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities focused on determining the exact circumstances surrounding the crash. They are also taking this opportunity to remind ATV riders and passengers about the importance of safety measures, such as using harnesses and limiting the number of occupants in such vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the ATV accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park?
An ATV accident occurred at the park, resulting in the deaths of two adults and injuries to seven children. Two RZR vehicles collided, and the first RZR overturned and hit a tree.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims identified were Ashley Hawkins and Marcus Ragland, both of whom succumbed to injuries sustained during the accident.
How are the injured children doing?
The injured children were treated for various injuries, including broken bones and bruises, but are expected to recover and be released from the hospital soon.
What is being done to assist affected families?
A GoFundMe page has been established to help support the children affected by the incident, as the community comes together to offer assistance during this difficult time.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Indian Mountain ATV Park, Cherokee County, Alabama |
| Victims | Ashley Hawkins, Marcus Ragland (deceased); Seven children (injured) |
| Incident Type | Collision of RZR vehicles |
| Injuries | Broken bones, bruises among children; serious injuries for adults |
| Emergency Response | Responders arrived approximately 18 minutes post 911 call |
| Community Action | GoFundMe established for affected families |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: All-terrain_vehicle
- WVTM 13
- Google Search: ATV safety
- Coosa Valley News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accident
- WSB TV
- Google News: Cherokee County ATV accident
- ABC 3340
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accident
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.
