CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A crash involving a vehicle and a cycling team on US Highway 19E at Simerly Creek resulted in two fatalities and multiple serious injuries on Wednesday morning.
According to Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley, two cyclists were pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported that several victims were transported by air to Johnson City Medical Center. Health officials confirmed that four students are in critical condition.
District Attorney Steve Finney stated that 69-year-old John Benfield, from North Carolina, is charged with two counts of vehicle homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. He is currently in custody at the Carter County Detention Center, with the possibility of additional charges pending.
Milligan University identified the deceased as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers. The university has requested prayers for the injured and the community during this tragic time.
Ballad Health's CEO Alan Levine expressed deep sadness over the incident and confirmed that trauma surgeons are available at Johnson City Medical Center.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on the scene, and further details will be provided as they become available.