John Benfield Faces 7 Charges After Crash Kills 2 Milligan Cyclists, Injures 9 Others
Updated
Updated · wataugaonline.com · Aug 20
John Benfield Faces 7 Charges After Crash Kills 2 Milligan Cyclists, Injures 9 Others
3 articles · Updated · wataugaonline.com · Aug 20
Summary
Nine cyclists were injured in addition to the two Milligan University riders killed, authorities said Thursday, updating earlier reports after the Wednesday crash on U.S. Highway 19E near Hampton, Tennessee.
An affidavit says John Benfield, 69, was driving behind another vehicle when it changed lanes, and he failed to see the cyclists ahead in time; investigators found no evidence he braked or took evasive action.
Law enforcement officers also reported smelling marijuana from Benfield's vehicle before a state trooper arrived, though the affidavit does not say marijuana was found, allege impairment, or include drug or alcohol test results.
Benfield was booked on two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, with bond set at $150,000 and prosecutors saying more charges could follow.
Milligan identified the two students killed as sophomores Haylan Engdahl of Illinois and Brayden Rogers of Alabama, while other injured cyclists were taken to Johnson City Medical Center.