Piedmont, AL – 2 Killed, 7 Children Hurt in Side by Side Crash at Indian Mountain ATV Park

Piedmont, AL (September 3, 2025) – Two adults died and seven children were injured in an ATV crash Saturday at Indian Mountain ATV Park. The wreck happened in a remote area of the park in Cherokee County. First reports came in during the afternoon.

Officials said a side-by-side RZR carrying nine people hit another ATV, overturned, and struck a tree. The male driver was ejected and died at the scene. An adult female was flown to a Birmingham trauma center and later died. Four medical helicopters transported the woman and three children. Ambulances took four other children to a hospital in Rome, Georgia.

Deputies said no one in the side-by-side wore a harness or restraint. The two people in the second ATV were not hurt and tried to help at the scene.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the driver of the RZR appeared to be traveling at a high speed. The other ATV attempted to avoid the collision. Toxicology testing is pending to determine if alcohol was a factor. The sheriff noted that alcohol possession is illegal in unincorporated areas of Cherokee County.

The crash site was hard to reach. Park staff guided emergency crews to the location. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office are leading the inquiry with support from emergency management officials. Identities will be released after family notifications.

Anyone with photos or video from the area is asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected. We hope the injured children heal fully and quickly. The investigation remains active.

ATV and Side-by-Side Crashes in Alabama

Side-by-sides are powerful machines. They handle rough ground and steep grades but offer limited protection in rollovers. Crowding a vehicle, skipping harnesses, or traveling too fast can turn a minor mistake into a tragedy. Children face greater risks because their bodies are smaller and more vulnerable to ejection forces.

After a serious off-road crash, get medical care right away. Some injuries appear hours later. Save every record tied to the incident: helicopter or ambulance bills, hospital charts, imaging, and prescriptions. Photograph the scene and the machine when it is safe to do so. Preserve helmet-cam files, phone videos, and GPS track logs. Ask deputies for the incident number so you can obtain the official report later.

Alabama law treats wrongful death damages differently from most states. Damages focus on punishment and deterrence, not itemized medical bills alone. That makes fast evidence preservation crucial. Useful proof can include 911 audio, witness statements, ride data, and expert analysis of speed, restraint use, and vehicle loading. Where children are injured, claims may also involve long-term therapy, mobility aids, and educational support.

Insurance issues can be complex in ATV cases. Policies may involve the machine’s owner, a property owner, or other riders. Adjusters often seek recorded statements soon after a crash. Consider waiting until doctors have completed their initial evaluations. Early legal guidance helps protect your claim and prevents important video or digital data from being lost.

If your family suffered a tragic loss, our wrongful death lawyer can help. Alabama’s wrongful death law focuses on punishment and deterrence, not itemized bills alone. Strong evidence is essential to show what happened and why it matters. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP, we conduct thorough investigations, preserve key evidence, and collaborate with reconstruction and medical experts. We pursue accountability and seek compensation for emergency care, rehabilitation, counseling, funeral costs, and the full measure of damages allowed by Alabama law.

Call 205-349-2009 or visit ccrr.law for a free consultation. We serve families across Alabama, including Cherokee County. We are ready to listen, explain your options, and fight for justice while you focus on healing.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.