CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A crash involving a vehicle and multiple bicycles on US Highway 19E at Simerly Creek resulted in two deaths and several injuries on Wednesday morning.
According to the Carter County Sheriff's Department, two cyclists were pronounced dead at the scene. Four additional cyclists are reported to be in critical condition, with multiple victims transported to Johnson City Medical Center. At least one individual is being airlifted to receive specialized medical care.
District Attorney Steve Finney identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield from North Carolina. He is charged with two counts of vehicle homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. He is currently booked at the Carter County Detention Center, with the possibility of additional charges pending.
Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine confirmed that members of the Milligan Cycling Team were involved in the incident. The university has identified the deceased victims as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers. The community has been asked to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
Emergency response teams, including the Carter County Sheriff's Department and local medical services, are on the scene. Authorities advise drivers to avoid the area due to lane closures and ongoing investigations. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.