CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — Two members of the Milligan University cycling team were killed Wednesday morning after a vehicle collided with a group of cyclists on U.S. Highway 19E in the Hampton area of Carter County, according to authorities and the university.
Milligan University identified the two students who died as sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers. The university said the students were killed in the accident and confirmed that multiple other Milligan cyclists were seriously wounded.
The crash happened on U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Carter County authorities. The collision involved a vehicle and multiple bicyclists, with emergency crews responding to the scene.
Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley affirmed that two people died at the scene and that multiple others were injured. Several victims were transported for medical treatment, with Ballad Health confirming that patients were taken to Johnson City Medical Center. At least one hurt person was transported by air, while trauma surgeons and medical teams prepared to provide care.
Milligan University said the injured cyclists were receiving treatment at Johnson City Medical Center. The university expressed profound sadness over the loss and asked the local area to keep the Milligan community, the injured cyclists and everyone affected by the tragedy in their prayers.
The crash prompted officials to ask drivers to avoid the area while emergency crews worked at the scene. Representatives remarked multiple victims had been flown from the crash site, while the inquiry remained ongoing.
Messages of support and condolences followed from individuals of the regional community and other universities. King University expressed sympathy for Milligan University and the families of those who lost his life, while local public members offered prayers for the wounded, their families, teammates, coaches and others affected by the crash.
The deaths of Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rodgers have left the Milligan University community mourning the loss of two students who were part of its cycling team. As authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the collision, the focus remains on the hurt and on supporting the families, teammates and wider community affected by the tragedy.
Originally published at Obituary News Trendy.
