HAMPTON, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A North Carolina man has been charged following a crash in Carter County that killed two Milligan University students and injured several other cyclists Wednesday morning.
Authorities identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield of North Carolina, who is now in custody. According to the district attorney general’s office, Benfield faces two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on State Route 37/Highway 19-E at Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the collision involved a passenger vehicle and a group of bicyclists from Milligan University.
The roadway was closed for several hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
Milligan University later identified the two students killed as Haylan Engdahl of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Brayden Rogers of Huntsville, Alabama. Both were sophomores at the university.
“There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss,” the university said in a statement. “Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy. Please keep the Milligan community in your prayers.”
Investigators said a total of nine cyclists were riding at the time of the crash.
During a news conference, officials confirmed that several cyclists suffered injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Dr. Bracken Burns said four patients were listed in critical condition, while three others also received medical care.
The severity of the injuries prompted a large emergency response, including multiple medical helicopters. Ballad Health confirmed at least one patient was transported by air to Johnson City Medical Center, where trauma surgeons and medical teams were on standby.
In a statement following the crash, Ballad Health expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“Ballad Health is deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving Milligan University cyclists who were struck by a vehicle in the Hampton area of Carter County this morning,” the health system said. “Our prayers are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this devastating event.”
The Carter County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that two people died at the scene. Ballad Health said it coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders as patients were transported for treatment.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the Milligan University community and has drawn support from across Northeast Tennessee as students, faculty, and families mourn the loss of two young lives while praying for the recovery of those injured.
