CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A fatal crash involving a vehicle and a cycling team from Milligan University occurred Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 19E, resulting in two fatalities 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. Authorities report that Benfield did not brake or take evasive action before striking the group of approximately 10 cyclists.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen stated the incident was a mass-casualty crash. According to the affidavit, Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport in the outside lane when he failed to see the cyclists ahead after another vehicle moved into the inside lane.
Investigators found no evidence that Benfield applied his brakes or attempted to avoid the cyclists. The affidavit mentions that officers detected an odor of marijuana from his vehicle, but it does not confirm impairment or the presence of drugs.
Two Milligan University sophomores, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven other riders were transported to Johnson City Medical Center, where two are in stable condition, and four are being treated in the surgical intensive care unit.
Benfield's bond has been set at $150,000. The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues its investigation, and prosecutors indicate that further charges may be forthcoming.