CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A crash involving a vehicle and a cycling team on U.S. Highway 19E Wednesday morning resulted in two deaths and seven injuries.
John Alexander Benfield, 69, of North Carolina, faces two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9 a.m. as members of Milligan University's cycling team were riding in a group. Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen characterized the scene as a mass-casualty event involving approximately 10 bicyclists.
Investigators reported that Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport when he collided with the cyclists. Evidence suggests he did not apply his brakes or make evasive maneuvers prior to the impact. Witnesses stated that another vehicle had moved into the inside lane, and Benfield failed to notice the cyclists in the outside lane.
Two members of the cycling team, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, both sophomores, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others were transported to Johnson City Medical Center; as of Wednesday evening, two were stable, while four were in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Ballad Health.
The investigation also noted a reported odor of marijuana emanating from Benfield's vehicle; however, no drugs were confirmed, and toxicology results are pending.
Benfield's bond has been set at $150,000. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation, with the possibility of additional charges.