What You Need to Know
• Two student athletes from Milligan University were killed during a cycling training ride in Tennessee.
• The driver, John Benfield, faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness.
• Seven other cyclists were injured, with four in critical condition, following the crash in Carter County.
Two student athletes, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, both sophomores at Milligan University, were killed when a driver struck their cycling team during a training ride on Wednesday morning in Carter County, Tennessee. The driver, John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. The crash involved eleven students from Milligan University, a private Christian institution in Elizabethton, with seven others transported to Johnson City Medical Center, four of whom are in critical condition. Milligan University expressed profound shock and sadness over the incident, stating that their prayers are with those affected by this tragedy.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the dangers faced by cyclists on the road, particularly during training sessions. Milligan University’s cycling team is described as elite, indicating a high level of skill and training among its members. The ongoing investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash, which has raised concerns about road safety for cyclists. The tragic loss of two young lives underscores the need for increased awareness and protective measures for vulnerable road users.
Read the Full Story →
