HAMPTON, Tenn. (AP) — Two cyclists were killed and seven others injured Wednesday morning when a car struck a group of riders in northeastern Tennessee.
Milligan University confirmed that 11 cyclists were on a training ride near Hampton when they were hit by a vehicle driven by a 69-year-old man from North Carolina. The collision occurred about 11 miles from the university's campus.
Authorities reported that the driver has been arrested and faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.
The deceased have been identified as Haylan Engdahl, 20, from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Brayden Rogers, 19, from Huntsville, Alabama. Seven injured cyclists were transported to Johnson City Medical Center, where four remain in critical condition, two are stable, and one has been discharged.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Officials noted that the speed limit on the section of Highway 19 where the crash occurred is 50 mph (80 km/h).
Milligan University's President, Stephen Waers, expressed condolences and urged the community to support the injured cyclists. The men's cycling team recently won a national championship in a time trial event earlier this year.