CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A crash involving a vehicle and a cycling team from Milligan University resulted in the deaths of two student-athletes and injuries to seven others on Wednesday morning.
According to authorities, 69-year-old John Alexander Benfield of North Carolina has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 19E as the cyclists rode in formation.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen reported to a mass-casualty scene involving approximately 10 cyclists. Investigators stated that Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport when he failed to notice the cyclists in the outside lane after another vehicle moved to the inside lane.
The affidavit indicates there was no evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers by Benfield prior to the collision. Eyewitnesses noted a strong odor of marijuana from his vehicle, though no marijuana was found, and toxicology results have not been disclosed.
Two Milligan University sophomores, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others were transported to Johnson City Medical Center; as of that evening, two were in stable condition while four were in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Ballad Health.
Benfield's bond has been set at $150,000. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.