Haylan Engdahl Accident, Brayden Rogers Death Obituary: Milligan University Cycling Team and Students Died in Crash

The Milligan University community is mourning the deaths of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, two sophomore student-athletes who were killed in a devastating crash involving the university’s cycling team in Hampton, Tennessee, on August 19, 2026.

Milligan University confirmed that members of its cycling team were struck by a vehicle while participating in a training ride. Engdahl and Rogers died in the crash, while several other cyclists were seriously injured and transported to Johnson City Medical Center.

Remembering Haylan Engdahl

Haylan Engdahl, 19, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was a sophomore at Milligan University and a member of its cycling team. He graduated from Christian Life School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2025.

Those who knew Engdahl have remembered him for his energy, infectious smile, passion, and magnetic personality. His former school community described him as someone who loved life and made a lasting impression on those around him.

His death has left family, friends, former classmates, teammates, coaches, and the broader cycling community grieving a young life lost far too soon.

Remembering Brayden Rogers

Brayden Rogers of Huntsville, Alabama, was also a sophomore member of the Milligan University cycling team. He was a graduate of Buckhorn High School and was known in his hometown and school community before continuing his education at Milligan.

Rogers and Engdahl shared a passion for cycling and were participating in a team training ride when the fatal collision occurred. Their deaths have brought profound grief to Milligan University and the communities where they grew up.

The Milligan Cycling Team Crash

The crash happened Wednesday morning on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County, in the Hampton area of northeastern Tennessee. The cycling team was conducting a training ride when a vehicle collided with the group.

Milligan said 11 cyclists were participating in the ride. Two were killed and seven others were injured. Several of the injured cyclists were reported to be in critical condition.

Milligan University President Stephen Waers said the university was profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragedy and called on the community to support the affected families and students.

Crash Investigation and Charges

Authorities have identified the driver as 69-year-old John Benfield of Newland, North Carolina. He was arrested following the crash and faces charges including two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

The charges are allegations, and Benfield is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A Community in Mourning

The deaths of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers have resonated far beyond Milligan University. Their former schools, hometown communities, teammates, coaches, and fellow cyclists have been left to mourn two young athletes whose lives were cut short during a routine training ride.

USA Cycling has also expressed its condolences to the families of Engdahl and Rogers and to the injured riders.

Their memory will live on through their families, friends, teammates, and the many people who were touched by their lives and athletic pursuits.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Funeral, visitation, burial, and celebration-of-life arrangements for Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers have not been fully detailed in the authoritative reports reviewed.

Additional information is expected to come from their respective families, funeral homes, schools, or Milligan University.

Information here is for general information purposes only. Details concerning the accident, investigation, criminal charges, funeral arrangements, and memorial services may change as authorities and the families release additional information.