2 Milligan cyclists killed in Tennessee, driver charged

A tragic collision between a vehicle and a collegiate cycling team in northeastern Tennessee has left two Milligan University students dead and several others critically injured, prompting criminal charges against the driver and an outpouring of grief from the university community. The crash occurred on the morning of August 19, 2026, along a stretch of Highway 19E in Carter County.

The victims have been identified as Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers. According to university and Tennessee Highway Patrol officials, eleven cyclists from the university were on a training ride when the incident happened. Seven other student-athletes sustained injuries and were transported to Johnson City Medical Center.

The driver of the vehicle, John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, has been arrested and charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness, according to First Judicial District Attorney General Steve Finney. Benfield was booked into the Carter County Jail, and officials indicated additional charges could be forthcoming.

Authorities said the crash was reported around 9 a.m. and...