Two students killed, driver charged after crash into Tennessee college cycling team

U.S. newsTwo students killed, driver charged after crash into Tennessee college cycling teamMilligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were killed and seven other college cyclists were injured in the crash on Highway 19 in Carter County.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Add to GoogleTwo college cyclists killed in Tennessee crash00:59Get more newsLiveonShareAdd to GoogleAug. 19, 2026, 9:12 PM EDTBy Phil HelselTwo Tennessee college team cyclists were killed, seven others were injured, and a driver was criminally charged after he struck team members who were training on a road Wednesday, officials said.The crash around 9 a.m. on Highway 19 in Carter County killed Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, the small Christian liberal arts college and state highway patrol said.“I would like to invite the entire community into prayer with us, into grief with the families, with us, and into deep prayer for the families of those we have lost,” University President Stephen Waers said at a news conference.The driver of the vehicle, John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness, and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness, District Attorney General Steven Finney said.Traffic stopped along Highway 19 after members of the Milligan University cycling team were struck by a motorist Wednesday.Sam RogersIn addition to the people who died in the crash, seven other members of that team were injured, Tennessee Highway Patrol Major Roy Brown said.The investigation remains ongoing and some facts could change as witnesses are interviewed and evidence examined, Brown said.“We know the families and Milligan University deeply want answers, and we want to provide those answers,” he said.Sam Rogers said he passed by the accident. At first he saw Carter County sheriff’s vehicles and ambulances arriving, and then came upon the aftermath.“I was horr...