An affidavit of complaint filed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper on Wednesday claims the driver of the vehicle that struck 11 members of the Milligan University cycling team, killing two, did not attempt to engage his brakes prior to the crash. It also alleged that law enforcement detected the odor of marijuana at the scene.
Milligan University acknowledged the accident on Wednesday, confirming sophomore students Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were fatally struck by the vehicle, while other members of the university’s cycling program were receiving treatment at Johnson City Medical Center for serious injuries they sustained.
Authorities have since named the suspected driver as John Benfield, a 69-year-old man from North Carolina, who was arrested following the incident. He has been charged with two counts of reckless vehicle homicide and five counts of aggravated assault.
The claims that Benfield’s failed to apply the brake pedal appear in a THP affidavit obtained by News 5 WCYB on Thursday.
Trooper Mason Bowen wrote in the charging document that the suspect vehicle, a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport, was driving in the left hand lane behind another vehicle. When the vehicle in front of the Subaru changed lanes, it states the driver “failed to observe the group of bicyclists traveling ahead of him in lane two.”
“The investigation indicated that the suspect was traveling at a distance and/or in a manner that did not allow him sufficient time or distance to perceive and react to the nearby conditions,” according to the affidavit. It additionally states that investigators found “no physical evidence indicating that the suspect applied the brakes or took evasive action to avoid the collision.”
Benfield allegedly admitted to officers that he failed to take notice of the Milligan students prior to the crash, the affidavit also states.
It additionally claims, “law enforcement officers reported detecting the order of marijuana emitting from Mr. Benfield’s vehicle” before the trooper arrived.
In its statement, Mulligan University said there were “no words to adequately describe this loss,” and requested the public “keep the Milligan community in your prayers.”
USA Cycling, the national governing body for bicycle races in the United States, also shared a statement expressing condolences for the loss of Engdahl and Rogers.
In a statement posted to social media, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said she was praying for those affected by the accident.
“My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones today as well as the cyclists who were injured,” wrote Blackburn. “May God comfort the entire [Mulligan University] community as they grieve this terrible loss.”
My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones today as well as the cyclists who were injured.
May God comfort the entire @Milligan_Univ community as they grieve this terrible loss.https://t.co/eT3jNMBgXB
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 19, 2026
“We are deeply saddened to learn of this morning’s tragic crash involving the Milligan University Cycling team,” USA Cycling said in a statement. “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 organization stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to Haylan and Brayden’s families, their teammates, friends, coaches, and the entire Milligan University community as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”
Milligan University is located in Northeast Tennessee, in the Tri-Cities region that consists of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. The crash happened near Hampton in Carter County.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
