A press conference on Sunday by Cherokee County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office said that an investigation into a fatal ATV Razor accident at the Indian Mountain ATV Park Saturday night was the fault of a 32 year-old Rome man, Marcus Ragland.
Investigators said that Ragland was driving at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the front of another ATV. Ragland proceeded to drive for roughly 150 feet before rolling and crashing into a tree. One adult passenger, Ashley Hawkins, 31 also of Rome, succumbed to injuries from the accident.
Seven children, ages 1 to 12 years-old, were also riding the ATV being driven by Ragland. Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said that it appeared that Ragland, Hawkins, or most of the children were wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald pronounced Ragland dead at the scene. Hawkins was airlifted to a Birmingham trauma center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Reports said that a total of 4 medical helicopters were brought to the scene, and three were transported by ambulances to Atrium Health Floyd Hospital in Rome
Officials added that both passengers on the ATV that Ragland hit were not injured.
A toxicology draw has been taken of Ragland and is expected to be returned soon to determine if alcohol, marijuana or any other substance is a contributing factor.
