Two Rome Parents Killed, Seven Children Injured in Cherokee County ATV Crash

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga.— Two Rome parents were killed and seven children injured in an ATV crash Saturday at Indian Mountain ATV Park, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said a side-by-side RZR carrying nine people collided with another ATV, overturned, and struck a tree in a remote part of the park. The driver, 34-year-old Marcus Ragland, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Passenger Ashley Hawkins later died from her injuries after being flown to a Birmingham hospital.

Three children were airlifted to trauma centers, while four others were taken to Atrium Health Floyd in Rome. None of the passengers were wearing harnesses, and officials noted the RZR was not designed to hold nine people.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said witnesses reported the vehicle was traveling at a high speed before the crash. The cause remains under investigation.

Family members said Ragland and Hawkins shared two children together. A GoFundMe has been created to support the children impacted by the tragedy.