The Milligan University community is mourning the tragic deaths of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, two sophomores who were killed when a vehicle struck members of the university’s cycling team on U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Hampton, Tennessee.
The crash occurred Wednesday morning while members of the Milligan University cycling team were participating in a training ride. Two students were killed and several others were injured, leaving the university community and the wider cycling world mourning the devastating loss.
Driver Charged in Hampton Crash
Authorities identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield of Newland, North Carolina.
According to Carter County District Attorney General Steven Finney, Benfield has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness.
Benfield was taken into custody and booked into the Carter County Detention Center.
The charges are allegations, and Benfield is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the legal process.
Milligan University Cycling Team Mourns
Milligan University confirmed that the two students killed in the collision were members of the school’s cycling team. The victims were identified as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers.
Their deaths have brought immense grief to their classmates, teammates, coaches, faculty members, friends and families.
For those involved with the cycling program, the loss has been especially painful. Teammates often develop strong relationships through training, competition and shared experiences, making the sudden deaths of Engdahl and Rogers a heartbreaking tragedy.
The university has extended support to the victims’ families and members of the campus community affected by the crash.
Seven Cyclists Injured
Several other Milligan University cyclists were injured in the collision and required medical treatment.
Seven injured students were transported to Johnson City Medical Center following the crash. Medical officials reported that four students were in critical condition, two were listed as stable and one was evaluated and released.
Emergency crews responded with a large-scale operation involving law enforcement, medical personnel and multiple medical helicopters.
The highway was temporarily affected as responders worked to treat the victims, secure the scene and begin the investigation.
Investigation Into Collision Continues
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.
Authorities have not yet released a complete account of what caused the vehicle to collide with the cyclists. Investigators continue to review evidence and gather information about the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
Additional details may become available as the investigation progresses. Any further legal action will depend on the findings of investigators and the court process.
Remembering Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers
The Milligan University community continues to mourn the loss of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers while supporting the injured students and their families.
Their deaths have left a profound void within the cycling team and across the university community.
Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers will be remembered as cherished students, teammates and friends whose lives touched many people during their time at Milligan University.
May their families, friends and teammates find strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may the injured cyclists receive continued healing and support.