08/21/2026
MILLIGAN UPDATE:
John Alexander Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide (Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers) and five counts of reckless aggravated assault by vehicle, according to District Attorney Steve Finney.
Bike Law’s investigation determined Benfield has a pattern and practice of committing criminal traffic violations. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was caught operating a motor vehicle without a license two months later in Florida. We discovered at least seven other criminal offenses in North Carolina, though we have not yet accessed those case details.
Benfield’s bond was initially set at $150,000 and increased to $300,000 after his arraignment this morning. The Carter County Sheriff’s office has confirmed Benfield was released today after posting bond.
The fatal crash occurred Wednesday morning around 9 a.m. Benfield was operating in his Subaru Baja Sport in the right lane on Highway 19E in Hampton when he struck the Milligan University peloton.
When the driver in front of Benfield changed lanes from the right to the left lane, Benfield claimed not to see the cyclists riding ahead of him in the right lane.
According to the affidavit obtained today, “The investigation indicated 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 roadway conditions. Additionally, the investigation revealed no physical evidence indicating that the suspect applied the brakes or took evasive action to avoid the collision.”
The document includes that prior to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) arrival and control of the scene, a county deputy reported detecting an odor of ma*****na emitting from Benfield’s vehicle.
We will continue providing updates as they’re available, and ask - along with Milligan University President Stephen Waer - for your continued prayers for Haylan’s and Brayden’s families, friends, teammates, and the Milligan University community.
