Driver charged after collision kills two Milligan University cyclists

A 69-year-old North Carolina man, John Alexander Benfield, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness following a crash that killed two Milligan University cyclists and injured five more. The collision occurred at about 9:02 a.m. on U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County, Tennessee.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen described the scene as a mass-casualty crash involving a vehicle and roughly ten bicyclists. Investigators said Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport in the outside lane behind another vehicle that shifted lanes, after which Benfield allegedly failed to notice the cyclists ahead. The affidavit notes no evidence that Benfield applied the brakes or attempted evasive action before striking the group.

Two sophomores from Milligan University, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven victims were transported to Johnson City Medical Center; two were reported in stable condition while four remained in the surgical intensive care unit.

"Additional charges could be filed," District Attorney Steve Finney told News 5.

Law enforcement officers who arrived before Trooper Bowen reported detecting the odor of marijuana from Benfield's vehicle, though the affidavit does not confirm the presence of marijuana or any impairment testing results. Investigators characterized Benfield's conduct as reckless, citing a failure to maintain a safe following distance and to control the vehicle under roadway conditions.

Benfield's bond was set at $150,000, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol continues its investigation.