A peaceful morning training ride turned into a devastating tragedy for the Milligan University cycling team after a vehicle crashed into a group of student athletes in Tennessee.

Two student cyclists, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, both sophomores at Milligan University, were killed in the crash on Wednesday morning while seven of their teammates were injured.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the cyclists were riding as part of an 11-member training group on Highway 19E near Hampton, Tennessee, when a vehicle allegedly struck them shortly before 9 a.m.

The crash happened about 11 miles from the university campus, leaving the cycling community and the school in shock.

Milligan University released a statement mourning the loss of the two athletes and supporting those injured.

“There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss. Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy,” the university said.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and seven injured cyclists were transported to Johnson City Medical Center. Hospital officials said several victims suffered serious injuries, with some requiring intensive care.

The driver, identified as 69-year-old John Benfield of Newland, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness, according to prosecutors.

Authorities have not released further details about what led to the crash, including whether impairment played a role. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered.

Officials emphasized that the cyclists were experienced athletes who were participating in a normal training session.

“This is an elite cycling team. They know what they’re doing,” District Attorney General Steven Finney said, adding that the athletes were not at fault for the collision.

The loss of Engdahl and Rogers has deeply affected Milligan University and the broader cycling community.

Haylan Engdahl, from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was remembered by friends as someone with a positive spirit and a contagious personality. He had recently returned to training after recovering from a previous cycling injury.

Brayden Rogers, from Huntsville, Alabama, was also remembered as a dedicated student-athlete whose life was cut short far too soon.

USA Cycling expressed condolences to the victims, their families, teammates and everyone affected by the tragedy.

For the Milligan cycling program, a routine morning that began with teammates riding together ended with an unimaginable loss.

Two young athletes with dreams ahead of them are now remembered for the passion, determination and joy they brought to the sport they loved.

The investigation into the crash continues.