'No Physical Evidence' Driver Braked Before Hitting, Killing Collegiate Cyclists Authorities Say

The investigation into the deaths of two Milligan University cyclists and the injuries of seven teammates is moving into the courts, with new details emerging about the moments before a driver struck the team during a training ride in Tennessee.

The driver, 69-year-old John Alexander Benfield, has been released after posting $300,000 bond while facing two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault.

Newly released court documents reveal investigators found “no physical evidence” that Benfield braked or took evasive action before striking the cyclists.

Two Milligan sophomores, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, were killed Wednesday when Benfield struck the team with his vehicle as they rode along Highway 19E in Carter County, Tennessee.

Four of the seven injured Milligan cyclists remained hospitalized Friday, with two in critical condition in intensive care, according to Ballad Health. The hospital said their injuries are serious but not considered life-threatening.

Three riders have been discharged, while the other two hospitalized cyclists are stable, local media reported Friday.

Benfield appeared in court Thursday, when a judge increased his bond from $150,000 to $300,000. He later posted bond and was released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 31.

District Attorney General Steve Finney told local media the investigation remains active and additional charges could follow.

Affidavit: No evidence driver braked before hitting cyclists

An arrest affidavit details what investigators believe happened moments before Benfield struck the Milligan riders, local TV outlets reported.

According to the affidavit, Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport in the right lane of Highway 19E behind another vehicle early Wednesday morning about 10 miles from the school.

Benfield told state troopers he did not see the cyclists until the vehicle directly in front of him changed lanes.

Investigators determined that Benfield was traveling at a distance or in a manner that did not give him sufficient time or distance to perceive and react to conditions on the road, the affidavit states.

Investigators reported finding “no physical evidence” that Benfield applied his brakes or took evasive action before striking the riders.

The affidavit also states that a Carter County Sheriff’s Office deputy who initially responded to the scene reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from Benfield’s vehicle before the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrived.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision.

Two Milligan cyclists remain in ICU as cycling community rallies

Two Milligan University cyclists remained in intensive care Friday evening as the condition of several riders injured in Wednesday’s deadly crash continued to improve, hospital officials confirmed.

Seven riders were initially transported to Johnson City Medical Center, including two who were airlifted in helicopters. By Friday afternoon, three had been discharged and four remained hospitalized, according to Ballad Health.

“Ballad Health continues to care for patients following Wednesday morning’s tragic incident involving cyclists from Milligan University who were struck by a vehicle,” Ballad Health said Friday afternoon. “Our prayers remain with the victims, their families and everyone involved.”

Milligan University President Stephen Waers said 11 members of the cycling team were on the training ride when the tragedy occurred.

The deaths of Engdahl, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Brayden Rogers, of Huntsville, Alabama, have prompted an outpouring of support and grief across the U.S. cycling community.

USA Cycling and collegiate programs have expressed condolences, while Milligan has made pastoral and counseling resources available.

Engdahl raced in Wisconsin before joining Milligan. A memorial ride is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. in Wauwatosa.

Rogers came through Alabama’s youth mountain bike scene before joining Milligan. The Huntsville native graduated from Buckhorn High School in 2025 and raced for its mountain bike program.

Milligan’s men’s team won the team time trial national title earlier this year at the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships.