Driver Charged After Fatal Crash Involving Tennessee College Cyclists

Tragedy struck in Carter County, Tennessee, when two Milligan University cyclists lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries. The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Highway 19 as the cycling team was training.

Milligan University confirmed that sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were the victims. The state Highway Patrol also corroborated the news. University President Stephen Waers urged the community to come together in prayer and support for the grieving families.

Driver Facing Charges

John Benfield, 69, from Newland, North Carolina, faces two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. The charges were announced by First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney.

Highway Patrol Maj. Roy Brown revealed ongoing investigations, noting that details might change as new evidence comes to light. The families and the university eagerly await answers concerning the crash.

Eyewitness Account

Eyewitness Sam Rogers shared his experience, describing the scene as disturbing. He saw police and ambulances at the site and many damaged bicycles. According to Rogers, injuries were evident, with a person covered in blood being assisted.

Ballard Health’s Chief Operating Officer Eric Deaton reported two victims had been airlifted to a hospital. Six injured students remained hospitalized as of Wednesday evening. Two of these were stable and under care in the medical-surgical unit, while four were in critical condition in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Dr. Bracken Burns, Trauma Medical Director.

Team’s Experience

Steven Finney emphasized the team’s professionalism. He pointed out that this was an elite group of cyclists, well-versed in training and competition.

Despite attempts to reach John Benfield or his associates, communication was unsuccessful. Jail records indicate Benfield was booked, though his bond status remains unconfirmed. His legal representation was unclear.

The small Christian liberal arts college, located in northeastern Tennessee, is approximately 12 miles from the North Carolina border.