Two student athletes from Milligan University's cycling team died and seven others were injured when a driver struck them during a training ride Wednesday morning on a highway in Carter County, Tennessee.
The university identified the two students who died as Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, both sophomores at the private Christian institution in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by reckless, according to Carter County District Attorney General Steven Finney. Benfield is in custody and may face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Eleven students were participating in the training ride at the time of the crash, according to Milligan University President Stephen Waers. Seven injured students were transported to Johnson City Medical Center, with four in critical condition.
Major Roy Brown of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation as troopers work to determine the exact circumstances.
Milligan University released a statement expressing shock and sadness over the incident. President Waers said the university is making pastoral and counseling resources available to students and staff.
