HAMPTON, TENN. — Two Milligan University cyclists were killed and seven others were injured in a car crash on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. The collision occurred during a morning training ride involving members of the university's cycling team in Hampton, Tennessee.

The deceased cyclists were identified as Milligan University sophomores Haylan Engdahl of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Brayden Rogers of Huntsville, Alabama. Eleven Milligan University cyclists were participating in the ride when the vehicle struck the group.

The crash occurred at approximately 8 a.m. local time in Hampton, Tennessee. The incident took place on Highway 19, where the posted speed limit is 50 miles per hour.

John Benfield, a 69-year-old man from North Carolina, was arrested in connection with the crash. Benfield faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle with recklessness.

Seven injured students were transported to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment. As of Wednesday evening, four students were in critical condition, two were in stable condition, and one had been discharged.

Milligan University President Stephen Waers addressed the campus community following the incident. He stated that the university community should gather in prayer for the injured and the families of the deceased. "We need to help our brothers and sisters bear burdens that are too great for any one person to carry alone," Waers said in a video message.

The tragedy follows a successful season for the university's cycling program. The Milligan University men's cycling team won the team time trial national championship at the USA Cycling Collegiate Road Nationals in Wisconsin earlier in 2026. In response to the crash, Milligan University's scheduled participation in the 2026-27 season opener at the Rock Hill Velodrome in South Carolina on Aug. 20 has been canceled.

Why It Matters

The deaths of two student athletes and the injury of seven others represent a loss for Milligan University, a private Christian institution with a student population of approximately 1,200. The incident disrupts the start of the 2026-27 athletic season, leading to the cancellation of the team's upcoming competition in South Carolina. The criminal charges filed against the driver indicate the severity with which authorities are viewing the collision.

The response from university leadership shows the role of faith and community support in the aftermath of the tragedy. President Stephen Waers called for collective prayer and grief, framing the event within the religious identity of the school. He said it is more important than ever right now that Milligan is a community gathered around Jesus, and they need Jesus deeply. He also invited the entire community into prayer with them, into grief with the families, and into deep prayer for the families of those lost. The ongoing investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol will determine the specific factors that led to the collision on State Route 37/Highway 19E.

Timeline

On August 19, 2026, a car struck a group of Milligan University bicyclists on State Route 37/Highway 19E in Hampton, Tennessee, at around 9:30 a.m. The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the crash and said that two people had died as of 11 a.m. on August 19, 2026, and that several medical helicopters responded to the scene.

He added that he would like to invite the entire community into prayer with them, into grief with the families, and into deep prayer for the families of those lost.

What's New

Later reporting provided additional details regarding the timing and location of the incident. A car struck a group of Milligan University bicyclists on State Route 37/Highway 19E in Hampton, Tennessee, at around 9:30 a.m. on August 19, 2026. The crash occurred at approximately 8 a.m. local time in Hampton, Tennessee, according to incident reports. The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the crash and said that two people had died as of 11 a.m. on August 19, 2026, and that several medical helicopters responded to the scene.

Further updates confirmed the status of the investigation and the university's response. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and confirmed that the driver of the vehicle has been identified. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is State Police of Tennessee.

Milligan University President Stephen Waers issued statements calling for community support, saying it is more important than ever right now that Milligan is a community gathered around Jesus, and they need Jesus deeply. He also stated he would like to invite the entire community into prayer with them, into grief with the families, and into deep prayer for the families of those lost. Additionally, Milligan University's scheduled participation in the 2026-27 season opener at the Rock Hill Velodrome in South Carolina on Aug. 20 has been canceled.