CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A driver has been charged following a fatal crash involving a Tennessee university cycling team that killed two students and injured seven others on Wednesday morning.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on U.S. Highway 19E while members of Milligan University's cycling team were riding in a group. 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.
The affidavit states Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport when he failed to brake or take evasive action before hitting the cyclists. Witnesses reported that Benfield did not see the group despite another vehicle moving into the inside lane ahead of him.
Authorities indicated that Benfield's failure to maintain a safe distance or observe the cyclists contributed to the crash. No physical evidence of braking or action taken to avoid the collision was found. Both Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven additional cyclists were transported to Johnson City Medical Center, with two in stable condition and four in the surgical intensive care unit, according to Ballad Health.
Before emergency responders arrived, officers noted the odor of marijuana coming from Benfield's vehicle, although there was no indication of impairment or substance found at the scene. His bond has been set at $150,000.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing the investigation, with potential additional charges anticipated.