A devastating ATV crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park on Saturday afternoon has left the Cherokee County community in shock after two adults were killed and seven children were injured. The victims have been identified as Marcus Ragland and Ashely Ragland, according to a GoFundMe created for the family.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash happened at approximately 3:47 p.m. central time, just across the Georgia state line near Floyd County. When first responders arrived about 18 minutes later, they discovered that two side-by-side RZRs had collided. One ATV, carrying nine passengers, overturned after impact and struck a tree.
Authorities said Marcus Ragland, who was driving the ATV carrying the children, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, identified as Ashely Ragland, was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The second ATV involved carried two passengers, neither of whom was injured. They reportedly attempted to assist the victims immediately following the collision.
The crash left behind a heartbreaking toll on the Ragland family. Six of the injured children were Marcus Ragland’s, with ages ranging from 1 to 12 years old. Officials confirmed that three of the children were flown to hospitals in Birmingham, while four others were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Rome, Georgia.
At a Sunday press conference, officials emphasized several safety concerns. They noted that none of the children in the ATV were wearing harnesses at the time of the accident. While the ATV was designed for fewer passengers, nine people had been riding in it. Authorities also highlighted the lack of legal requirements for seat belt enforcement at ATV parks, even though the park’s website clearly states that helmets and seat belts must be worn and that speed limits are set at 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver acknowledged challenges in enforcing park rules. When asked whether the park was responsible for oversight, Shaver admitted he was unsure of their enforcement procedures, noting that many visitors ignore posted regulations. Officials also confirmed they are awaiting toxicology reports to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role, though they believe excessive speed contributed to the crash.
The tragedy has sparked renewed attention to ATV park safety and the risks associated with overloading vehicles. Indian Mountain ATV Park has previously been the site of fatalities and injuries, according to officials. Responders also noted that rough terrain and poor communication conditions delayed emergency response efforts.
Meanwhile, the community has begun rallying around the Ragland family. A GoFundMe campaign describes Marcus Ragland as a devoted father of 10 children, with two more on the way, while Ashely was remembered as the mother of two of the children injured in the crash. The fundraiser highlights the immense loss facing the family and the long road to recovery for the injured children.
As the investigation continues, the memory of Marcus and Ashely Ragland stands as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures in recreational activities.
