'We are profoundly shocked' - two collegiate cyclists killed by driver; seven more injured

Two collegiate cyclists from Milligan University died in a tragic accident in Hampton, Tennessee on the morning of August 19, alongside seven other students who were injured and are hospitalized. Sophomore cyclists Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were confirmed dead. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on Highway 19E, near Johnson City.

The university released a statement expressing profound shock and sadness over the loss of its team members. Milligan University president Stephen Waers revealed the names of the deceased students and the extent of the injuries sustained by the injured riders. The driver, John Benfield, aged 69, from North Carolina, has been arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle.

The university community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. In a statement, the university declared, "We are profoundly shocked and saddened to share that members of our cycling team were in an accident involving a vehicle this morning while cycling in Hampton, TN." President Waers added, "There are no words to adequately describe this level of loss. Our prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy. Please keep the Milligan community in your prayers."

The university's alumnus and multi-time national champion, Ama Nsek, has shared his deep emotions through a tearful Instagram post, questioning the frequency of such incidents and expressing frustration with the world in which cyclists find themselves.