Tragic Collision Involving Tennessee College Cyclists Results in Fatalities and Injuries

Two collegiate cyclists from Tennessee were tragically killed, and seven others suffered injuries when a vehicle struck them during a training session. The incident occurred on a Wednesday morning along Highway 19 in Carter County. The cyclists were from Milligan University, a small Christian liberal arts college. The state Highway Patrol confirmed the loss of sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers.

University President Stephen Waers addressed the community in a news conference, urging for collective prayer and support for the bereaved families. He emphasized the importance of community healing and solidarity in facing this tragedy.

The vehicle’s driver, 69-year-old John Benfield from Newland, North Carolina, faces criminal charges. He is accused of two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness, according to First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney.

Maj. Roy Brown from the Highway Patrol indicated that seven team members were also injured in the incident. He assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, with details potentially evolving as more evidence and witness testimonies are gathered. Brown acknowledged the community’s desire for answers and committed to providing them.

Eyewitness Sam Rogers, who passed by shortly after the accident, described the scene as distressing. He encountered damaged bikes and injured persons receiving medical aid.

Ballard Health’s Chief Operating Officer Eric Deaton reported that two of the injured victims required air medical transport to the hospital. As of Wednesday evening, six students remained hospitalized. Two had stabilized and were under care in the medical-surgical unit, while four others were in critical condition in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Dr. Bracken Burns, the hospital’s trauma medical director.

Attorney General Finney highlighted the experience and skill of the cycling team, emphasizing their elite status and professionalism.

Online records confirmed Benfield’s booking into jail, though it remained unclear if he had secured legal representation. Attempts to reach anyone connected to him through public directories were unsuccessful.

Milligan University is located in northeastern Tennessee, approximately 12 miles from the North Carolina state line.