Two members of the Milligan University cycling team have been killed and other teammates have been hospitalized after a crash on Wednesday morning.
Multiple helicopters and medical personnel were called to the scene of the incident in Carter County, Tennessee. The crash occurred on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area, involving a car and a group of cyclists, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) told WJHL.
The school confirmed in a statement at 12:45 p.m. that sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers had passed away after the collision and confirmed ‘multiple’ other team members were ‘seriously injured’ in the crash.
‘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,’ they said.
‘Sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were killed in this accident. Multiple other Milligan cyclists were also seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Johnson City Medical Center.
‘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.’
Haylen Engdahl has been named as one of the victims of a Milligan University cycling crash
Brayden Rogers was also killed in the accident in Tennessee with multiple teammates injured
Local health authorities confirmed trauma surgeons were on call to respond with at least one victim requiring transportation by helicopter to a local hospital.
A statement from Ballad Health said: ‘Ballad Health is deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving Milligan University cyclists who were struck by a vehicle in the Hampton area of Carter County this morning. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this devastating event.
‘The Carter County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that two people died at the scene, and others are being treated for injuries. At least one person is being transported by air to Johnson City Medical Center.
‘Trauma surgeons are at Johnson City Medical Center, and our teams are prepared to respond. We are working closely with law enforcement and emergency response partners and will provide additional information as it becomes available.’
Just a few months ago, Engdahl shared he was recovering from a broken femur sustained in another training crash. He wrote on Facebook on March 10: ‘One door closes and another one opens.
‘I’m going to be out for a little bit after a training crash that ended up with me having a broken femur. Although it sucks it could always be worse and I’m thankful to everyone that helped and got me through.
‘Spirits are still high and I know there’s a plan in all this but just for now I’ll probably be cheering from the sideline for a few months.’
The team held an exhibition event at the Carter County Omnium last weekend, per their website, and was due to race in a track event at the Rock Hill Velodrome on Thursday.
Their first mountain race of the year against Truett McConnell is scheduled to take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.
Engdahl shared in March that he had suffered a broken femur in a training crash
The Milligan University team was cycling together when the accident occurred
Local universities also issued statements of support in the immediate aftermath.
East Tennessee State University said: ‘ETSU Athletics joins our university and region in mourning alongside the Milligan University community after this morning’s tragic accident involving the institution’s cycling team.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, teammates, coaches, faculty, and staff affected. Our thoughts are with the entire Milligan community during this incredibly difficult time.’
King University said: ‘King University extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to our neighbors at Milligan University following the tragic accident involving their cycling team this morning.
‘We are profoundly saddened by this devastating loss. We lift up the families of those whose lives were lost, pray for the swift recovery of the injured, and stand in solidarity with the entire Milligan community during this incredibly difficult time.’
