Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Milligan Cyclists Killed and Seven Injured When Car Strikes Team on Tennessee Highway

An arrest has launched a criminal investigation that will seek evidence to determine whether more charges follow

Overview

  • The crash occurred Wednesday morning on US Highway 19E near Hampton when a vehicle struck 11 Milligan University cyclists during a training ride.
  • Milligan identified the two students who died as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers and said seven other team members were hospitalized with serious injuries.
  • Multiple victims were airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center where trauma teams treated patients and hospital officials said several remained in critical condition.
  • Authorities arrested 69-year-old John Benfield of Newland, North Carolina, and prosecutors charged him with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.
  • The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading an active investigation and the university and regional schools have mobilized counseling and community support while events have been canceled as the campus grieves.