Two college athletes from Tennessee have tragically died following a devastating road crash during a cycling training session.
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Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, both members of Milligan University's cycling team, were part of an 11-rider training session on Wednesday morning.
Authorities allege that John Benfield, 69, struck the group with his vehicle shortly before 9 a.m. on Highway 19E in Hampton.
The crash killed Engdahl and Rogers and reportedly left seven other cyclists injured.
Two College Cyclists Killed in Road Crash
Milligan University announced the heartbreaking news in a statement following the incident.
"We are profoundly shocked and saddened to share that members of our cycling team were in an accident involving a vehicle this morning while cycling," the statement read.
"There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss. Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy."
The crash occurred approximately 11 miles from the university's campus.
Engdahl and Rogers died at the scene, while emergency responders rushed seven injured cyclists to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment.
JMC Trauma Director Dr. Bracken Burns said four of the injured athletes remain in critical condition.
Doctors are treating those four cyclists in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, while two others remain in stable condition.
Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charges
The seventh injured cyclist underwent evaluation before leaving the hospital.
Authorities have not publicly identified any of the seven injured athletes.
"Today has been an extraordinarily difficult day for a lot of people in upper East Tennessee," the Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a statement.
"Families have lost loved ones. Others are waiting for news about people who were hurt. Teammates, coaches and an entire university community are trying to process something no one expected when this day began."
"We know there are people hurting right now, and before we talk about the investigation, we want them to know that our hearts also break and we are praying for them."
Authorities are currently holding Benfield in the Carter County jail. He faces two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness following the deaths of Engdahl and Rogers.
Benfield also faces five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness.
Authorities have not said whether they believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials could file additional charges as they establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
