Two Milligan University sophomores were pronounced dead Wednesday at the crash site on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County, Tennessee, after a driver struck a group from the university's cycling team around 9 a.m. John Alexander Benfield, operating a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport, faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault, per a Tennessee Highway Patrol arrest warrant. A court affidavit filed by THP states that investigators found "no physical evidence" Benfield braked or took evasive action before impact.
The riders killed were Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, both Milligan University sophomores. Seven other cyclists suffered serious or critical injuries, the affidavit states.
Charges filed
| Charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Reckless vehicular homicide | 2 |
| Reckless aggravated assault | 5 |
A judicial officer found probable cause for the arrest Wednesday. Bond was set at $150,000. Officers detected the odor of marijuana in Benfield's vehicle; he was not charged with driving under the influence, and the affidavit does not assert impairment.
According to the affidavit, Benfield was driving behind another vehicle when that lead vehicle moved from the outside lane into the inside lane, bringing the group of cyclists in the outside lane into view. Benfield told investigators he did not see the cyclists until after that lane change. THP investigators found no physical evidence of braking or evasive steering before impact.
Where the investigation stands
Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the inquiry, interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence at the crash scene. "We owe it to them to take the time, follow the facts and get this right," THP spokesperson Jason Pack said. Findings will be submitted to the district attorney's office once the investigation is complete.
Milligan University said it was "profoundly shocked and saddened" and asked the public to keep the victims, their families and the campus community in its prayers. USA Cycling also issued a statement: "Our hearts go out to the two student-athletes whose lives were taken far too soon, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, as well as to the riders who were injured."
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