North Carolina driver arrested after fatal crash kills 2 Milligan students, injures 7

A North Carolina man was detained after he allegedly killed two Milligan students and wounded seven on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The crash happened when the suspect, identified as John Benfield, 69, smashed his car into a college cycling team in East Tennessee.

The Milligan cycling team was comprised of 11 cyclists and were on a regular morning ride when they were smashed by an overspeeding car, just 10 miles away from their alma mater.

The tragic incident took place on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County, Tennessee.

Milligan University president Stephen Waers confirmed the deaths of two university students and seven others injured in a news conference on Wednesday evening.

Milligan University also released the identities of the two students who died as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers.

Four of the cyclists are said to be in critical condition, while two others were reported to be in stable condition, according to trauma surgeon of the local medical facility.

On the other hand, the Carter police chief held a news conference and said the crash had “taken a toll” of emergency personnel.

The district attorney general Steven Finney confirmed Benfield was arrested in the case and said he was charged with the following:

• 2 counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness

• 5 counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness

Finney said Benfield remains in custody in Carter County and could face additional charges was being held in Carter County.