The driver who mowed down a group of Milligan University bicyclists – killing sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers and injuring seven others – never tried to swerve or brake to avoid the crash, according to a court affidavit filed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper.
John Benfield, 69, of Newland, North Carolina, was driving a Subaru Baja Sport in the outside lane Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Carter County around 9 a.m. Aug. 19 when the vehicle in front of him switched from the outside to the inside lane to pass the bicyclists, according to the affidavit. Benfield never switched lanes or tried to stop and admitted to investigators he did not see the group until the vehicle in from of him changed lanes.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen, who responded to the crash and wrote the affidavit, said he thinks Benfield "operated his vehicle with a reckless disregard for the safety of others." The affidavit also said law enforcement officers who were first to arrive to the scene detected an odor of marijuana from Benfield's car.
Benfield was driving at a distance and manner that would not give him adequate time to adjust to changing road conditions, according to the affidavit.
What to know about John Benfield
Benfield is being charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, according to court documents.
Bond for Benfield was set at $150,000 then increased to $300,000, according to Carter County General Sessions Court Deputy Clerk Holly Hill. The conditions of his bond include bond monitoring through the Correctional Counseling Institute with regular drug screening, no driving or operating any type of vehicle and no alcohol or drug use of any type.
Benfield's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 31.
What to know about Milligan University cyclists
Engdahl and Rogers were both sophomores at Milligan University and members of the cycling team. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of community support with thousands of social media users sending condolences to the families and Milligan community.
Through tears, Milligan University president Stephen Waers said 11 of the school's cyclists were on a training ride when they were struck by a vehicle. In addition to the deaths of Engdahl and Rogers, Waers said seven other students were brought to Johnson City Medical Center for care.
Milligan University is a private Christ-centered liberal arts college in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and enrolls more than 1,200 students. During a press conference, Waers asked the community to pray for students killed and hurt in the crash.
"I'd like to invite the entire community into prayer with us, into grief with the families, with us and into deep prayer for the families of those we have lost," Waers said. "I'd like to also invite you into prayer for those who are still receiving care."
Steven R. Finney, district attorney for First Judicial District that includes Carter County, said he is a longtime friend of Milligan's cycling team coach, Zack Nave. Finney assured families that both he and the Assistant District Attorney Dennis Brooks, who Finney said is an avid cyclist, have expertise that "will help them in the prosecution of this case."
"I want our community to know that these young men chose to come here, chose to come to this school and they are members of our community as such. And you should treat them with the grace and dignity, and their families, that they deserve.
Afton Pratt covers trending news for The Knoxville News Sentinel and Tennessee. She can be reached at ampratt@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Driver who plowed into Milligan University bicyclists never braked, says trooper
