Tragedy Strikes Milligan University Cycling Team as Two Athletes Lose Lives in Collision

The cycling community in America is engulfed in sorrow following the tragic deaths of two collegiate athletes from Milligan University in Tennessee. On August 19, during a training session, 11 cyclists were struck by a vehicle driven by 69-year-old John Alexander Benfield, leading to the untimely deaths of second-year students Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers.

In a heartfelt statement, Milligan University President Stephen Waers invited the community to join in mourning and prayer for the families affected by this devastating loss. The news reverberated through social media platforms, prompting an outpouring of tributes from various collegiate cycling teams and USA Cycling, the sport’s national governing body.

Among those deeply affected was Megan Jastrab, a former Milligan cyclist and Olympic bronze medalist, who learned of the incident while competing in Europe. "I’m absolutely heartbroken," she expressed to Outside. "Loss like that is something you really can’t fathom. There are no words that can sum up what the Milligan community is feeling right now."

The aftermath of the incident saw law enforcement swiftly take action. An arrest affidavit released on August 20 detailed charges against Benfield, including five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle and two counts of vehicular homicide. The affidavit indicated that the driver’s vehicle emitted the smell of marijuana, and he failed to slow down or avoid the cyclists, despite their presence on the roadway.

Tennessee State Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen, who was first on the scene, noted that Benfield's actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of others. The collision occurred on Highway 19E, a rural road known for its hilly terrain, where many cyclists often train.

Megan Jastrab, who has strong ties to the Milligan cycling program, reflected on the impact of this tragedy. She emphasized that the program fosters a sense of community, welcoming cyclists of all skill levels. "It was such a welcoming atmosphere for new cyclists," Jastrab noted, highlighting the camaraderie and support within the team.

Milligan University is recognized for its cycling program, which offers scholarships, attracting young talents who aspire to reach professional levels. Jastrab’s own journey through the program allowed her to balance academics with her cycling ambitions, underscoring the importance of the community she felt part of.

The close-knit nature of Milligan University, with an undergraduate population of around 900, means that the loss of Engdahl and Rogers will resonate throughout the entire campus. "You don’t just have your friends on the cycling team. It’s the whole campus that will feel this loss," Jastrab reflected, encapsulating the profound impact of this tragedy.

Source: www.outsideonline.com