Sunday, August 31, 2025–11:00 a.m.

-WEIS Radio/Staff reports-

The investigation into an ATV crash that claimed two lives and left seven others injured continues.

The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Mountain ATV Park in Cherokee County, Alabama.

According to EMA Director Shawn Rogers, a side-by-side RZR carrying nine occupants had collided with another RZR, then overturned and struck a tree.

The driver, identified as 34-year-old Marcus Dwayne Ragland of Rome, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

An adult female and seven children, ages 1 to 12 years old, were also injured.

Four medical helicopters were requested to transport one adult female and three children to trauma centers in Birmingham.

Piedmont EMS and Atrium-Floyd EMS transported four additional children to Atrium-Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, for treatment.

The adult female, identified as 31-year-old Ashley Brooke Hawkins of Rome, later succumbed to her injuries.

The occupants of the other ATV were not injured.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver stated that the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, is conducting a thorough investigation.

Sheriff Shaver further emphasized: “This is a tragic accident and highlights the importance of operating RZRs and other recreational vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.”

Director Rogers added: “Always wear your restraint system and never exceed the number of passengers your vehicle is designed for.”

Coroner McDonald also noted: “Scenes like this are always difficult, especially when they involve children. Please do everything you can to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.”

Director Rogers, Sheriff Shaver, and Coroner McDonald expressed their gratitude: “We want to personally thank all of the emergency responders who answered the call. Each one of them responded with professionalism and dedication during an extremely difficult situation.”

Agencies responding included: Spring Garden Fire, Piedmont EMS, Atrium-Floyd EMS, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Survival Flight, Air Evac, Air Methods (AirLife), the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.

The location of the accident was remote and difficult to access, requiring ATV park staff to escort emergency personnel to the site.

Additional information may be released at a later date following the completion of the investigation.