Family, friends, and the communities of Carrollton and Tallapoosa, Georgia, are mourning the tragic loss of Dylan J. Deaton, 28, and Mackenzie T. Smith, 25, who lost their lives in a devastating ATV crash in Cleburne County, Alabama, on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Their sudden passing has left loved ones heartbroken and communities grieving two lives cut far too short.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. along Cleburne County Road 492 near County Road 49, just south of Muscadine. Authorities reported that Dylan was operating a Yamaha ATV when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned.
The force of the crash ejected both Dylan and Mackenzie from the vehicle. Tragically, both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The loss has deeply impacted both families, as well as friends and community members who knew and loved them. In Carrollton and Tallapoosa, tributes have begun to pour in, with many remembering Dylan and Mackenzie for the joy they brought into the lives of others, the relationships they built, and the memories they created.
Officials have not yet released additional details about what led to the ATV leaving the roadway. Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with ATV travel, particularly in single-vehicle accidents where protection is limited.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are focusing on honoring the lives of Dylan and Mackenzie—remembering them for their kindness, their connections, and the impact they had on those around them.
Dylan J. Deaton and Mackenzie T. Smith will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Their memories will live on in the hearts of their families, friends, and the communities that now mourn their loss.
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