CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A crash involving a vehicle and a cycling team from Milligan University on U.S. Highway 19E left two students dead and seven injured Wednesday morning.
According to authorities, 69-year-old John Alexander Benfield from North Carolina has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. as the team was riding together. Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen responded to the scene, describing it as a mass-casualty event involving approximately 10 cyclists.
Investigators reported that Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport and failed to see the cyclists in the outside lane as he drove behind another vehicle, which had moved into the inside lane.
The affidavit indicates that no physical evidence was found showing Benfield applied his brakes or took evasive action before the collision.
Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others were transported to Johnson City Medical Center, with two in stable condition and four in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Ballad Health.
Reports of a marijuana odor from Benfield's vehicle were noted by law enforcement; however, no drugs were found, and it remains unclear if he was impaired at the time of the crash.
Authorities indicated Benfield's conduct was reckless, leading to injuries and fatalities, and his bond is set at $150,000. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is still investigating, and further charges may be filed.