In a tragic accident that has shaken Tennessee, a driver allegedly collided with a group of college cyclists without attempting to slow down or avoid them, resulting in the deaths of two and severe injuries to five more. This is according to a recent affidavit that sheds light on the incident.
John Alexander Benfield, now at the center of serious legal proceedings, faces severe charges, including two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault. These charges stem from a crash involving the Milligan University cycling team that took place on Wednesday in Carter County.
According to details from the affidavit submitted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9 a.m. along Highway 19E, near Simerly Creek Road. Benfield was reportedly driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport following another vehicle which switched from the outside lane to the inside lane just before the collision.
Milligan University is grieving the loss of two of its talented sophomores, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, who were tragically declared dead at the scene, according to a statement from the university. (Milligan University)
The affidavit notes that Benfield claimed he didn’t notice the cyclists as they traveled in the outside lane until the vehicle ahead changed lanes. The investigating trooper reported finding “no physical evidence” suggesting Benfield attempted to brake or swerve to avoid hitting the cyclists.
Two riders, Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the university. Seven other cyclists suffered serious or critical injuries, the affidavit states.
Milligan said in a statement that the university was “profoundly shocked and saddened” by the deaths and asked the public to keep the victims, their families and the campus community in their prayers.
“There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss,” the university said. “Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy. Please keep the Milligan community in your prayers.”
John Alexander Benfield faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault over Wednesday’s crash involving the Milligan University cycling team in Carter County. (Carter County Sheriff’s Office)
The affidavit also said that officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from Benfield’s vehicle. The document does not say whether Benfield was impaired, and he was not charged with driving under the influence in the warrant.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), which is leading the investigation, said Thursday that troopers are interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and examining the crash scene.
“We owe it to them to take the time, follow the facts and get this right,” Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security spokesperson Jason Pack said in a statement to News Media.
THP said its findings will be submitted to the district attorney’s office once the investigation is complete.
A judicial officer found probable cause for Benfield’s arrest Wednesday. His bond was set at $150,000, according to the warrant.
USA Cycling also issued a statement mourning Engdahl and Rogers and offering condolences to their families, teammates, coaches and the Milligan community.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of this morning’s tragic crash involving the Milligan University Cycling team. 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,” the statement said.
News Media has reached out to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference for comment.