With profound sadness, we remember Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, two sophomores at Milligan University and members of the university’s cycling team whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating crash in Carter County, Tennessee.
The crash occurred Wednesday morning on Highway 19 near Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area of Carter County. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the collision happened at approximately 9:30 a.m. and involved members of the Milligan cycling team.
Authorities responded quickly to the scene as multiple emergency crews worked to assist those involved. Several medical helicopters were also called to the area, while multiple victims were transported to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment.
Milligan University confirmed that Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were among those who lost their lives in the crash. The university also said that multiple other cyclists from the team were seriously injured and were receiving medical treatment.
The heartbreaking loss of two young students has deeply affected the Milligan University community. Haylan and Brayden were both sophomores with their lives and futures ahead of them. Their sudden passing has left classmates, teammates, coaches, faculty members, friends and family members struggling to process the tragedy.
For their teammates, the loss is especially painful. Cycling was more than a sport for Haylan and Brayden; it was part of a community that brought them together with other students who shared the same passion, dedication and commitment.
Their teammates now face the difficult reality of recovering from serious injuries while also grieving the loss of two friends and fellow cyclists. The tragedy has brought sorrow to the entire university community and to everyone who knew the young men.
Ballad Health expressed its condolences to the victims and their families, saying its medical teams were working closely with emergency responders and law enforcement. Trauma surgeons were available at Johnson City Medical Center as medical personnel cared for those injured.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that two people died at the scene, while others were taken for treatment. The Tennessee Highway Patrol continued working at the crash site as the roadway was temporarily closed.
As investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision, the focus remains on supporting the injured and providing answers to the families affected.
For Haylan and Brayden’s loved ones, however, no investigation can take away the pain of losing two young lives. They will be remembered through the friendships they built, the memories they created and the lives they touched during their time at Milligan University.
Their time was far too short, but the memories they leave behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
May Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers rest in eternal peace. May their families, friends, teammates and the entire Milligan University community find strength and comfort during this heartbreaking time. May their memories forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved them.
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