Two Rome, Georgia residents are dead and seven children are injured following a tragic side-by-side ATV accident that occurred last Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Cherokee County, Alabama.

Marcus Ragland and Ashley Hawkins, both from Rome, were identified as the deceased. The accident also left seven children, including six of Ragland’s and two other children, with injuries. Four of the injured children were transported to hospitals in Birmingham for treatment, while others received medical attention at a hospital in Rome, GA. Their current conditions were not immediately released.

According to preliminary reports, a family of nine was riding in a side-by-side ATV when it collided with another vehicle within the park. The impact caused the family’s vehicle to overturn. Ragland, who was driving, was ejected from the ATV and died at the scene of the crash. Hawkins, a passenger, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Officials investigating the incident noted the vehicle overturned, leading to the driver’s ejection. Family members have reportedly told news outlets that the children involved in the crash were not secured in safety harnesses at the time of the collision.

The sudden and tragic loss of Ragland and Hawkins has sent shockwaves through the Rome, Georgia community, which is reportedly “reeling” from the immense grief. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to support the family with funeral expenses and the ongoing medical needs of the injured children, quickly garnering community support.

The investigation into the full circumstances of the accident is ongoing.