Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers Obituary, CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, members of the Milligan University cycling team, have died following a vehicle crash that struck a group of cyclists during a team training ride in Hampton, Tennessee, on Wednesday morning, Aug. 19.
The crash occurred at approximately 8 a.m. on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County, just east of Johnson City. According to Milligan University, 11 members of the cycling team were participating in a morning training ride when they were struck by a vehicle.
Milligan University President Stephen Waers confirmed that Engdahl and Rogers, both sophomores at the university, were killed in the collision. The university said several other members of the cycling team suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Seven Milligan cyclists were injured in the crash, with four reportedly remaining in critical condition. Medical teams, law enforcement officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist those involved, and Ballad Health confirmed that multiple victims were treated following the incident.
In a statement, Milligan University expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Engdahl and Rogers, saying the community was mourning the loss of the two students while supporting the injured cyclists and their families. The university asked the community to keep those affected by the tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the crash involved a vehicle and a group of bicyclists on Highway 19E in the Hampton area of Carter County. Authorities have not released a full account of the circumstances leading to the collision, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield of North Carolina. Reports state that Benfield was taken into custody and faces two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle. The charges are allegations, and the case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings.
The Milligan University community continues to mourn the loss of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers as officials investigate the crash. Their deaths have left the cycling program, classmates and supporters grieving while authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and provide further updates.
