Tragic ATV Crash Claims Two Lives and Injures Eleven Children

A devastating accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of a mother and father, as well as injuries to seven of their eleven children.

Marcus Ragland and Ashley Hawkins were in an ATV that collided with another vehicle during off-roading activities. The speeding ATV traveled approximately 150 feet before hitting a tree. Authorities noted that none of the riders appeared to be wearing seatbelts or restraints.

Ragland was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hawkins was airlifted to a hospital but later died. The seven children with them were hospitalized, including a 13-year-old with a skull fracture, a 10-year-old with a broken collarbone, and a 2-year-old with spleen injuries. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the occupants of the second ATV.

Ashley Hawkins and Marcus Ragland — Mom Ashley Hawkins and her husband, Marcus Ragland, father of ten, both tragically died in the crash.

Officials explained that safety rules do not require all ATV occupants to wear restraints, emphasizing personal responsibility for safety. The accident site was remote, necessitating assistance from park staff to guide emergency responders to the crash location.

ATV crash scene with multiple riders — There were nine individuals riding in the ATV involved in the crash, authorities reported.

Relatives and friends described the incident as heartbreaking. Ragland’s mother expressed her sorrow, calling it “just so hard to deal with.”