Fatal ATV Accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park Leaves Two Dead, Seven Injured

T. L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News

(Joint Press Release from Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and Cherokee County Coroner’s Office)

CENTRE, Ala. (TWLN) – A tragic accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park on Saturday afternoon claimed two lives and left seven others injured.

At 3:47 PM, Cherokee County 911 received multiple calls reporting a serious ATV accident with multiple injuries. Spring Garden Fire Department and Piedmont Rescue Squad were immediately dispatched to the scene.

According to EMA Director Shawn Rogers, emergency responders discovered that a side-by-side RZR carrying nine occupants had collided with another RZR, then overturned and struck a tree. The driver was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene by Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald. The remaining eight occupants were also injured.

Four medical helicopters were requested to transport one adult female and three children to trauma centers in Birmingham. Piedmont EMS and Atrium-Floyd EMS transported four additional children to Atrium-Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, for treatment. Sadly, the adult female later succumbed to her injuries.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver stated that the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, is conducting a thorough investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the case involving multiple children and pending family notifications, no identities are being released at this time. The seven children involved ranged in age from 1 to 12 years old.

Sheriff Shaver further emphasized: “This is a tragic accident and highlights the importance of operating RZRs and other recreational vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.”

Director Rogers added, “Always wear your restraint system and never exceed the number of passengers your vehicle is designed for.”

Coroner McDonald also noted: “Scenes like this are always difficult, especially when they involve children. Please do everything you can to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.”

The ones involved in the accident remain in our thoughts and prayers, as well as all of the families affected.

Director Rogers, Sheriff Shaver, and Coroner McDonald expressed their gratitude: “We want to personally thank all of the emergency responders who answered the call. Each one of them responded with professionalism and dedication during an extremely difficult situation.”

Agencies responding included: Spring Garden Fire, Piedmont EMS, Atrium-Floyd EMS, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Survival Flight, Air Evac, Air Methods (AirLife), the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.

The location of the accident was remote and difficult to access, requiring ATV park staff to escort emergency personnel to the site.

Additional information may be released at a later date following the completion of the investigation.

Copyright 2025 TWLN. All rights reserved.