A young Huntsville cyclist who got his start racing with Buckhorn High School’s mountain bike team was one of two Milligan University students killed Wednesday when a vehicle struck members of the school’s cycling team in eastern Tennessee.

Brayden Rogers, a 2025 Buckhorn High School graduate, was identified by Milligan University as one of the two students killed. The university also identified fellow sophomore Haylan Engdahl as the other student who died.

Rogers had been racing competitively before arriving at Milligan. Alabama Cycling Association results show him competing for Buckhorn High School, including an eighth-place finish in the varsity boys division at McClellan Trails in 2024. His racing also took him to the national level, finishing 12th in the Junior Men 17-18 division at the 2024 USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships in Auburn.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the crash occurred Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area of Carter County. Milligan University President Stephen Waers said 11 cyclists were riding together when the crash occurred. Rogers and Engdahl were killed, and seven others were taken to Johnson City Medical Center, with three requiring surgery.

“There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss,” the university said. “Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy. Please keep the Milligan community in your prayers.”

District Attorney General Steven Finney identified the driver as John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina. Benfield was booked into the Carter County Jail and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.

According to an affidavit obtained by WCYB News 5, Benfield was driving behind another vehicle that moved into the inside lane, and he then failed to observe the cyclists traveling ahead of him. Investigators found no evidence Benfield applied his brakes or took evasive action before the collision.

Court documents show Benfield’s bond was set at $150,000, and Finney said additional charges could be filed. The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

“Brayden Rogers, who graduated in 2025 was involved in a fatal accident when he and several other members of the Milligan University Cycling Team were struck by a vehicle this morning,” the Buckhorn High School Mountain Bike Club posted after the crash. “Please keep our Mountain Bike Family in your thoughts and prayers while we grieve for the loss of our beloved rider, son, brother and friend.”