Cherokee County, AL — A tragic ATV crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park on Saturday afternoon left two adults dead and seven children injured, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The accident occurred just across the Georgia state line near Floyd County.
Deputies reported the crash happened around 3:47 p.m. central time, when two side-by-side ATVs collided. One ATV, carrying nine passengers, overturned and struck a tree.
Victims Identified
A GoFundMe page set up for the family identified the victims as Marcus Ragland, his children, and a mother of two of the kids. The family is reportedly from Rome, Georgia.
- The driver of the ATV was ejected and died at the scene.
- A woman passenger was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital but later died.
- Seven children, ages 1 to 12, were injured in the crash.
- Three were flown to Birmingham hospitals.
- Four were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Rome.
The second ATV involved in the crash carried two people, neither of whom were injured. They tried to help the victims until first responders arrived.
According to FOX5 Atlanta, first responders reached the site about 18 minutes after the collision.
Safety Concerns at the Park
During a Sunday press conference, officials noted that previous deaths and injuries have occurred at Indian Mountain ATV Park.
Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the children in the vehicle were not wearing seat belt harnesses, though no Alabama law requires them to do so in such situations.
“I can’t quote the rules. I’m not sure if they knew what was going on,” Shaver told reporters. “We have rules in our park, but we have people who think they can smoke marijuana and jump from one rock to the other.”
Officials confirmed the ATV carrying the family was not designed to hold nine people. They believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it overturned. Toxicology results are pending to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
Park Rules vs. Enforcement
The park’s website lists several rules, including that drivers and passengers must wear helmets and seat belts at all times. However, authorities said there is no law requiring parks to enforce those safety measures.
Officials also said first responders faced rough terrain and communications issues while reaching the victims, which slowed emergency efforts.
Community Reaction
The devastating crash has drawn attention to ATV safety, particularly when involving young children. Local residents have expressed concern about whether rules are adequately enforced at recreational parks.
With two parents dead and seven children injured, the tragedy has left a Georgia family shattered and raised questions about ATV safety standards in Alabama.
What are your thoughts on ATV safety and rules at recreational parks? Share your views in the comments below.
