Milligan University Cycling Team Crash Leaves Community Grieving
A Wednesday morning bicycle ride involving members of Milligan University’s cycling team ended in tragedy after a vehicle struck a group of cyclists in Carter County, Tennessee. Two people died, multiple others were injured, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
- Authorities confirmed two deaths and multiple injuries after the collision on U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road.
- Ballad Health confirmed the cyclists involved were members of the Milligan University cycling team.
- Officials had not publicly released the names of the two people who died in the reports available at the time.
Crash Involving Milligan University Cyclists
By Rick Cherok
A Wednesday morning bicycle ride involving members of Milligan University’s cycling team ended in tragedy after a vehicle struck a group of cyclists in Carter County, Tennessee, killing two people and injuring several others.
The crash occurred on August 19 along U.S. Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road, between Hampton and Roan Mountain. Emergency crews responded to reports of a collision involving a vehicle and multiple bicycles, and authorities quickly closed the area while first responders treated victims and investigators began examining the scene.
Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley confirmed that two people died at the scene. Multiple others were injured, with several victims transported to Johnson City Medical Center. At least one injured person was flown from the scene by medical helicopter.
Ballad Health confirmed that the cyclists involved were members of the Milligan University cycling team. The health system said trauma surgeons were prepared at Johnson City Medical Center as injured cyclists were brought in for treatment.
Milligan Community Faces Grief and Uncertainty
The collision sent shock waves through the Milligan community and the surrounding Tri-Cities region. Milligan University, located just outside Johnson City, has a close-knit campus where student-athletes train, compete, and study alongside one another. A tragedy involving an athletic team can quickly reach far beyond those directly involved, touching teammates, classmates, coaches, professors, families, and friends.
As emergency vehicles filled the roadway Wednesday morning, officials urged motorists to avoid Highway 19E near Simerly Creek so first responders could safely work. Several medical helicopters were called to the area because of the severity of the crash.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities have not publicly explained what caused the collision as of late Wednesday morning. The Tennessee Highway Patrol was involved in the response, and officials said the circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation. The names of the two people who died have also not yet been publicly released in the reports available at the time.
Because the investigation is still developing, officials have not confirmed every detail about the victims, including publicly identifying the two fatalities as Milligan students. What has been confirmed is that the crash involved the university’s cycling team and resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries.
A Call to Prayer for Milligan
For the Milligan community, Wednesday became a day marked by grief and uncertainty as families awaited information and medical teams cared for the injured. Please take a few moments to offer prayer on behalf of the Milligan community and those involved in this tragic collision.
UPDATE …
The Milligan Facebook page recently announced that Sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were killed in this tragic accident and multiple other Milligan cyclists were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Johnson City Medical Center.
Author: Rick Cherok
Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Minister of the Phillips Christian Church in Salem, Ohio.
