Funeral fundraisers launched for collegiate cyclists killed by driver in Tennessee
Campaigns aim to ease families’ financial burdens; driver faces homicide and assault charges after posting a $300,000 bond
Three GoFundMe campaigns have been established to aid the families of Milligan University cyclists, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, who were killed or injured in a tragic accident on August 19th. Engdahl and Rogers, both 19 years old, were hit by a car while training on Highway 19E in Carter County, Tennessee. Two others were hospitalized after the collision.
The first campaign, named "Support Haylan Engdahl’s Family," aims to cover funeral and memorial costs for Engdahl's family. The second campaign, "Funeral Support for Brayden Rogers," eases the financial burden for Rogers' loved ones. A third fundraiser, "Support Milligan University Cyclists," assists the seven injured riders and their families with medical bills, recovery costs, and other urgent needs.
The donations have collectively raised over $72,000 as of the publication. Haylan, a graduate of Christian Life High School, was passionate about mountain biking, cyclocross, and criterium racing. His memory is described as smart, funny, kind, and always smiling. Brayden, a graduate of Buckhorn High School, was also deeply mourned by his family, friends, and community.
The driver, 69-year-old John Benfield from North Carolina, has been charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle. He posted a $300,000 bond and awaits trial on August 31st. The National Transportation Safety Board is now involved in the investigation.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
