A Tennessee motorist accused of plowing into a group of college cyclists, leaving two dead and five others badly hurt, did not brake or try to avoid the riders before impact, according to a newly filed affidavit.
John Alexander Benfield has been charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault after Wednesday’s crash involving members of the Milligan University cycling team in Carter County.
The wreck occurred at about 9 a.m. on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said in the affidavit. Investigators reported that Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport behind another vehicle when that vehicle moved out of the outside lane and into the inside lane.
Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers died at the scene, the university said. (Milligan University)
Benfield told authorities he did not notice the cyclists riding ahead in the outside lane until the vehicle in front of him changed lanes, according to the affidavit. A trooper wrote that investigators found “no physical evidence” showing Benfield tried to stop or swerve before hitting the group.
Milligan University identified the two riders killed as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The affidavit said seven additional cyclists sustained serious or critical injuries.
In a statement, Milligan University said it was “profoundly shocked and saddened” by the deaths and urged the public to keep the victims, their families and the broader campus community in their prayers.
“There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss,” the university said. “Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy. Please keep the Milligan community in your prayers.”
John Alexander Benfield faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault over Wednesday’s crash involving the Milligan University cycling team in Carter County. (Carter County Sheriff’s Office)
The affidavit also said that officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from Benfield’s vehicle. The document does not say whether Benfield was impaired, and he was not charged with driving under the influence in the warrant.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), which is leading the investigation, said Thursday that troopers are interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and examining the crash scene.
“We owe it to them to take the time, follow the facts and get this right,” Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security spokesperson Jason Pack said in a statement to News Outlet.
THP said its findings will be submitted to the district attorney’s office once the investigation is complete.
A judicial officer found probable cause for Benfield’s arrest Wednesday. His bond was set at $150,000, according to the warrant.
USA Cycling also issued a statement mourning Engdahl and Rogers and offering condolences to their families, teammates, coaches and the Milligan community.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of this morning’s tragic crash involving the Milligan University Cycling team. Our hearts go out to the two student-athletes whose lives were taken far too soon, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, as well as to the riders who were injured,” the statement said.
News Outlet has reached out to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference for comment.
