Two Milligan University Students Killed in Carter County Cycling Crash CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Milligan University community is mourning the deaths of two students who were killed Wednesday morning after a vehicle crashed into a group of cyclists in Carter County. The victims were identified as Haylan Engdahl of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Brayden Rogers of Huntsville, Alabama. Both were sophomores at Milligan University.
According to police, nine cyclists were traveling together when the crash occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Hampton. Several cyclists were injured in the collision, including four who reportedly suffered critical injuries. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, with multiple medical helicopters assisting in transporting injured victims to area hospitals for treatment. Police identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield of North Carolina. He has reportedly been charged with two counts of vehicle homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle. Benfield remains in custody as the legal process continues.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Milligan University, where students, faculty, staff, and members of the university community are grieving the loss of two young students whose lives were cut short. For the families of Haylan and Brayden, the loss is particularly devastating. Friends and classmates are also facing the difficult task of processing the sudden deaths of people they knew and shared their college experiences with. The crash has also affected the wider community, particularly those who witnessed the incident or assisted at the scene.
As investigations continue and the injured receive medical care, the focus remains on supporting the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy. Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers will be deeply mourned by their families, friends, classmates, and the entire Milligan University community. Their deaths represent a heartbreaking loss of two young lives filled with promise and potential.
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