Marcus Ragland and Ashley Brooke Hawkins die in fatal Cherokee County, Ala. ATV crash
Fatal Cherokee County, Ala. ATV crash death of Ashley Brooke Hawkins
A weekend outing at Indian Mountain ATV Park turned into a devastating event as two all-terrain vehicles collided, leading to one vehicle flipping and crashing into a tree. This incident resulted in the loss of two adult lives and left seven children injured. The individuals who perished were Marcus Ragland, aged 34, and Ashley Brooke Hawkins, aged 31, both originally from Rome, Georgia. Ragland was declared deceased at the scene, while Hawkins later died in the hospital in Birmingham.
Shawn Rogers, the head of the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, remarked on the dangers of crowded trails, stating, “Having numerous people and machines on tight paths often leads to unfortunate outcomes.” Maya Boyett, who is connected to the families of those who died, highlighted the emotional toll on the children, saying, “The focus has shifted to helping the kids cope.” She noted that some of the young ones had expressed a belief that their father would be with them the following day.
Alabama State Senator Andrew Jones acknowledged the efforts of emergency personnel, describing the conditions as difficult, particularly given the holiday timing. He is now pushing for increased oversight at off-road vehicle parks, encouraging citizens to reach out to local authorities for reforms. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with further details expected as they emerge.
