In the quiet aftermath of a holiday weekend meant for relaxation and family fun, a devastating accident turned joy into unimaginable grief for one Georgia family. As children recover in hospitals, their innocent questions echo the heartbreak: “Where’s momma?” This Labor Day tragedy at an Alabama ATV park claimed the lives of two parents and left seven young kids fighting through injuries, reminding us all how fragile a day of adventure can be.
The Fatal Crash at Indian Mountain
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, August 30, 2025, when what started as an exciting outing spiraled into horror at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Alabama. Around 3:45 p.m., a RZR vehicle carrying two adults and seven children collided at high speed with another ATV. The impact was catastrophic. The first vehicle hurtled 150 feet through the air, rolled over multiple times, and slammed into a tree.
Investigators from the Cherokee County coroner’s office quickly arrived at the scene, where the chaos was evident. The driver, identified by loved ones as 34-year-old Marcus Ragland from Rome, Georgia, was pronounced dead on the spot. His partner, Ashley Hawkins, also from Rome and a mother of three, was rushed by helicopter to a hospital in Birmingham. Despite the frantic efforts of medical teams, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The children in the vehicle, ranging in age from just one year old to 12, bore the brunt of the crash’s violence. Four were airlifted to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center in Rome, while the other three were transported by ambulance to Birmingham for urgent care. Six of these young survivors were Ragland’s own children, adding layers of sorrow to an already shattering event. Miraculously, no one in the second ATV was hurt, and those occupants immediately jumped in to help the victims, offering whatever aid they could amid the wreckage.
A Family’s Shattered World
Marcus Ragland wasn’t just a name in the headlines; he was a devoted father of 10, with two more children on the way. Friends and family paint a picture of a man full of life, always ready to share a laugh or an adventure. Ashley Hawkins, sharing two children with him, was a pillar in their blended family, her presence now an irreplaceable void.
The accident has left their extended family reeling. Ragland’s mother, Felecia Towers, spoke with raw emotion about the loss. “I’m still waiting on him to come through the door but I know he’s not coming,” she shared. Towers explained that her son was no stranger to the ATV park; he frequented it for thrills and this time wanted to include his kids in the excitement. “This time he wanted to take his children with him, you know, to share the fun. They were ready to go, so it just ended up being a tragedy. I just hate it.”
The pain extends beyond immediate family. A woman who identified herself online as the mother of one of Ragland’s unborn children poured out her grief in a heartfelt post: “I’m at a loss for words.. i just want this to be a bad dream.. my baby.. his babies.. my heart is torn into pieces and there’s absolutely nothing i can do. I’m angry i’m sad our baby will never get the chance to meet her daddy and that right there literally tears me down so bad .. Marcus Ragland i miss you so much man.. I just don’t understand..”
Heartbreaking Moments with the Children
In the hospitals where the children are being treated, the emotional toll is palpable. Family friend Monica Watkins, who has stepped in to care for some of the kids temporarily, described the gut-wrenching reality. “They keep just asking for momma, and I don’t want to say because we haven’t told them about her yet,” she said. Watkins knows the road ahead will be long and difficult. “I have to be strong for these babies because I’m going to have to play the mother role. I can never replace their mom, but I’m going to have to feel like mom.”
The innocence of these young ones contrasts sharply with the severity of their injuries. While details on their conditions remain private, the fact that they span from toddlers to preteens underscores the broad ripple of trauma. Medical teams in Rome and Birmingham are working tirelessly, but the psychological scars may linger far beyond physical healing. Watkins has called on the community for support, urging everyone to “pray with us, but also pray for the other children.”
Insights from the Investigation
As the community grapples with the loss, authorities are piecing together what led to the deadly collision. Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver held a press conference on Sunday, addressing key questions about safety and potential factors. When asked about seatbelts, Shaver noted that the investigation is ongoing, but early indications point to speed as the primary cause.
“We’re waiting on a toxicology report,” the sheriff explained, emphasizing that there’s no evidence yet of intoxication playing a role. The focus remains on the high-speed impact and the vehicle’s path after the crash. Indian Mountain ATV Park, known for its rugged trails and family-friendly vibe, has seen its share of incidents, but this one stands out for its scale of loss.
Officials have reiterated the importance of safety protocols in such recreational areas. While ATVs offer thrilling escapes, they come with risks that demand caution, especially when children are involved. The coroner’s office confirmed that the second vehicle’s occupants, unharmed, provided immediate assistance, a small act of humanity in a moment of crisis.
Rallying Support and Lasting Tributes
In the wake of the tragedy, a wave of support has emerged from friends, family, and strangers alike. A GoFundMe campaign was swiftly established to aid Ragland’s family, highlighting his role as a provider and the challenges now facing his 10 children and the two expected soon. The fund aims to cover funeral costs, medical bills for the injured kids, and ongoing support for the survivors.
Towers remembered her son fondly: “This is just so hard to deal with. It’s just so hard. I’m going to miss him. I loved him so. He was a good boy. He was really fun to be around. He met no strangers. He was friends with everyone.” These words capture the essence of a man whose life touched many, from his large family to the broader community in Rome.
Watkins echoed the call for unity, asking for prayers not just for her charges but for all affected. The outpouring on social media reflects a collective mourning, with posts sharing memories of Ragland’s infectious energy and Hawkins’ nurturing spirit. As the family navigates this new reality, the support network grows, a testament to the bonds that endure even in the face of profound loss.
This accident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change on what should be carefree days. As the children heal and families rebuild, the questions from little voices asking for “momma” linger, a poignant echo of love lost too soon. The road to recovery will be arduous, but with community backing, there’s hope for brighter days ahead.
