Marcus Ragland and Ashley Brooke Hawkins die in fatal Cherokee County ATV park crash
Fatal Cherokee County ATV park crash death of Marcus Ragland and Ashley Brooke Hawkins
Two individuals from Georgia have been identified as the victims of a serious collision at an all-terrain vehicle park in Cherokee County, Alabama. The incident resulted in the deaths of Marcus Ragland and Ashley Brooke Hawkins, leaving seven young children injured and still recovering.
The collision at the Indian Mountain ATV Park occurred over the weekend. According to reports, two all-terrain vehicles collided, causing one to overturn and strike a tree. Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Shawn Rogers commented on the dangers of such terrain, stating, “When you get that many people and machines like that into trails that are narrow, a lot of times things happen.”
Emergency responders faced challenges during the incident, dealing with unfamiliar terrain, logistical issues, and communication difficulties, even as they worked to provide aid to those involved. Alabama State Senator Andrew Jones has since called for stricter safety regulations at such parks to prevent future incidents.
Family representatives expressed concern for the well-being of the children involved, noting that some are struggling to understand what has happened. An official with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a full investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with further updates expected in the near future.
The couple was originally from Rome, Georgia, and the authorities have provided their names to the public following the identification process. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the families of the deceased and the injured children.
