Driver accused of killing 2 college cyclists in Tennessee crash allegedly failed to brake: court docs
A Tennessee driver accused of striking a group of college cyclists, killing two and seriously injuring five others, allegedly failed to brake or take evasive action before the crash, according to a newly filed affidavit.
John Alexander Benfield faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault in connection with Wednesday’s crash involving members of the Milligan University cycling team in Carter County.
The collision happened around 9 a.m. on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road, according to the affidavit filed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Investigators said Benfield was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport behind another vehicle when the vehicle ahead moved from the outside lane into the inside lane.
Benfield told investigators he did not see the group of cyclists traveling ahead in the outside lane until the other vehicle changed lanes, the affidavit says. The trooper wrote that investigators found "no physical evidence" that Benfield attempted to stop or take evasive action before striking the cyclists.
Two riders, Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the university. Seven other cyclists suffered serious or critical injuries, the affidavit states.
Milligan said in a statement that the university was "profoundly shocked and saddened" by the deaths and asked the public to keep the victims, their families and the 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."
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 Fox News Digital.
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.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference for comment.