College student from Illinois among 2 Tennessee university cycling team members killed in crash
Haylan Engdahl, Milligan University cyclist from Winthrop Harbor, remembered after fatal Tennessee crash
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WLS) -- A 19-year-old college cyclist from Winthrop Harbor is being remembered in his hometown and by his former high school community after he was killed in a crash during a training ride in Tennessee.
Haylan Engdahl, a sophomore at Milligan University, was remembered for his energy, passion and spirit. Engdahl graduated from Christian Life School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2025.
"A beautiful person, infectious smile, magnetic personality, loved life," said Jeff Bogaczyk, head of school at Christian Life School.
Bogaczyk said Engdahl was popular among students and strong in his faith.
"He was a blessing to our school community. It's, it's shocking," Bogaczyk said.
Authorities said Engdahl was one of two members of the Milligan University cycling team killed while on a training ride with teammates when they were struck by a driver on Highway 19E in Carter County, Tennessee.
The crash also injured seven other cyclists, four of them critically, authorities said.
"This is an elite cycling team. It's not a bunch of this club guys getting together to ride. They know what they're doing," said Steven Finney, district attorney general for Carter County, Tennessee.
Milligan University President Stephen Waers called on the community to support those affected by the tragedy.
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"I'd like to invite the entire community into prayer with us, into grief with the families," Waers said.
Authorities said a 69-year-old North Carolina man, John Benfield, has been charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault in connection with the crash.
"We know the families and Milligan University deeply want answers, and we want to provide those answers," said Maj. Roy Brown of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Engdahl had just started his sophomore year at Milligan University. Those who knew him said his passion for cycling was evident during his high school years, but it was only one part of a promising future.
"Just a super kid and made friends with everybody," Bogaczyk said.
Tennessee authorities said Benfield remains in custody as investigators continue interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.
