State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) said “much of this could have been avoided” after a side-by-side ATV accident at Indian Mountain ATV Park killed two parents and left seven children hospitalized over the weekend.
Jones sponsored legislation in the 2025 session that would’ve regulated the park, but the bill died in the House.
Jones said on Facebook on Sunday, “Summer and I were deeply saddened by this Labor Day Weekend's tragedy at Indian Mountain ATV Park. We are keeping the 9 victims from Georgia and their families in our thoughts and prayers. As emergency responders have reported, multiple ambulances and 4 medic helicopters were called to the scene of this fatal incident. I personally heard how this incident overwhelmed our local emergency responders. These responders dealt with unfamiliar terrain, logistical confusion, and spotty communications coverage on a busy holiday weekend. They also had the tricky task of coordinating 4 helicopter landings. For all of these reasons, our first responders deserve our highest commendation.”
“I have long been concerned about unofficial reports from the park of rampant drinking and driving under the influence, virtually zero enforcement of the park’s own rules, and an inadequate emergency response plan in coordination with first responders. These are just a few of the reasons that I authored SB 234 to provide REASONABLE safeguards for Cherokee County ATV parks. Unlike almost every other business in Cherokee County, there are virtually no regulations at Indian Mountain ATV Park. As we saw this weekend, operating these machines can be dangerous and even deadly, and public safety is paramount.
Much of this could have been avoided. If SB 234 had been enacted, contracts for emergency services, liability insurance information, and detailed maps of the park would have been required to be submitted to the county. These maps would have included access points, boundaries, maps of the trail network, creeks and streams, road crossings, and traffic routes to the park. All of this data would have helped to streamline emergency response on a crowded holiday weekend and helped to unburden our first responders, allowing them to reach the victims in a much more timely manner. As many local residents know, only a handful of ambulances regularly cover the entirety of Cherokee County,” Jones said. “Indian Mountain ATV Park has hidden behind cries of overregulation, seemingly as a way to avoid the accountability of any new safeguards– safeguards that were sorely needed on this Labor Day weekend. Similarly, the elected officials who blocked this legislation and those who continually shirk their responsibilities and turn a blind eye to safety issues surrounding the park have a lot to answer for.”
Jones continued, “Defenders of the park continually compare Indian Mountain ATV Park and Weiss Lake. These comparisons talk about the need for personal responsibility and attempt to absolve the park operators of any responsibility. This is a false comparison. Weiss Lake is not private property, but Indian Mountain is private property traversed by the public. People don’t pay admission to go to Weiss Lake, but they do at Indian Mountain. Law enforcement is present and rules are enforced on and around Weiss Lake, however there is no law enforcement presence at Indian Mountain. Thus, it falls to the park to enforce its own rules.”
“When 2 adults and 7 children, after paying admission and signing liability waivers, climbed aboard an ATV designed for half that amount of people, it would stand to reason that a park staff member should have intervened. When children as young as 1 year old were crammed into an ATV, why didn’t park staff step in? Morally, I cannot understand how Indian Mountain ATV Park should bear zero responsibility. While it remains to be seen as to whether alcohol was involved in this incident, I have concerns as to whether rules against the consumption of alcohol, including, for example, cooler checks, were being enforced by the park. We do not need to forget that Cherokee County is a dry county,” Jones said. “At least one lawsuit is ongoing regarding Indian Mountain ATV Park. Given incidents like this, I would not be surprised if additional legal action followed in the future. In the end, I have faith that our justice system will sort this out. Finally, let me say this: I have been asked repeatedly to bring legislation again to regulate Cherokee County ATV Parks. However, without the 100% unconditional support of Cherokee County elected officials to assist me in putting reasonable safeguards in place, there is no point in bringing ATV park legislation during the next session, and I will not do so. I would urge concerned citizens to reach out to your local elected officials and share your thoughts with them if you want that to change and have any meaningful reform take place.”
Jones is running for re-election in 2026 to his State Senate District 10 seat. His Republican primary challengers so far are Jesse Battles and Amy Dozier Minton.
Battles has said he opposes Jones’ Indian Mountain ATV Park bill.
Battles said on Sunday, “My heart breaks for the victims, their families, the first responders, and everyone affected by the tragedy at Indian Mountain ATV Park. This is a time when our community should come together in prayer, support, and healing. We need to stand united, lifting each other up through this unimaginable pain.”
“In a time when empathy and unity are needed most, our state senator, Andrew Jones, chose to use the tragedy to attack the park, the community, and even his own colleagues. His words lacked the kindness and understanding that grieving families and a shaken community deserve. This moment calls for compassion and support, not division and political games. In moments like these, we need compassion, not blame. We need leadership that lifts people up, not one that tears them down while they are already suffering,” Battles said. “His response is the mark of someone completely out of touch, turning this tragedy into a political rallying cry and pointing fingers at local leaders. The business involved has already endured unimaginable emotional stress. The last thing they need is a grandstanding politician making it worse. To the families and community members affected, please know you are not alone. I stand with you in grief and hope and will continue to support you in any way possible during this difficult time.”
Battles continued, “Thank you to the first responders for your bravery, kindness, and quick action. Our community is so grateful for you.”
Minton said, “On this Labor Day weekend I also want to give a special thank you to all of our first responders as they are called upon to leave their families in a time of need! There have been many tragic accidents this week from injuries in high school football games, multiple traffic fatalities, ATV accidents, boating accidents on our lake, and senseless violence in our schools and churches. These situations are very tragic and heartbreaking, but they also remind us of a hard truth: laws can never prevent tragedy.”
“We live in a fallen world, until Christ returns this remains true, there will be accidents, evil acts, and heartbreak. Legislators cannot write away tragedy. No law can stop every accident, every act of violence, or every evil intention. I will always stand up for individual freedoms. I will always stand for the 'right to bear arms'. I will always stand against government overreach and regulation,” she added.
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