CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — Two members of Milligan University's cycling team were killed and seven others injured in a collision with a vehicle on U.S. Highway 19E Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the driver, John Alexander Benfield, 69, of North Carolina, allegedly failed to brake or take evasive action before striking the group of approximately 10 cyclists. He 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. as the cyclists were riding in the outside lane. According to a Tennessee Highway Patrol affidavit, Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport and did not notice the cyclists ahead as he followed another vehicle that had moved into the inside lane.
Witnesses reported that Benfield was traveling too closely and did not have adequate time to react to the cyclists. The investigation found no evidence that he applied his brakes prior to the crash.
Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, both 20, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others were transported to Johnson City Medical Center; two remained in stable condition while four were in the surgical intensive care unit as of Wednesday evening, according to Ballad Health.
Authorities reported that officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from Benfield's vehicle after the crash. However, it was unclear if he was impaired, as no substances were found, and results from drug testing were not mentioned in the affidavit.
Benfield's bond is set at $150,000. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate, and additional charges may be filed.