The National Transportation Safety Board has opened a safety investigation into an Aug. 19 crash in Carter County that killed two Milligan University cyclists and injured several others. The NTSB said it is coordinating with the Tennessee Highway Patrol after the vehicle driven by 69-year-old John Benfield struck a group of nine cyclists near SR 37/US 19E and Simerly Creek Road.
WHO:NTSB; Tennessee Highway Patrol; John Benfield; Milligan University cycling team members including victims Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers
WHAT:NTSB opened a safety investigation into a fatal vehicle-versus-cyclist crash involving Milligan University cyclists.
WHEN:Aug 19, 2026
WHERE:Carter County, Tennessee (near State Route 37/Highway 19E and Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area)
WHY:The crash cause and safety factors are being investigated by the NTSB as part of a formal safety investigation.
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