Milligan University Community Grieves Loss of Student-Athlete in Tragic Collision

CARTER COUNTY, Tennessee — The Milligan University athletics department and national collegiate cycling community are in deep mourning following the tragic passing of sophomore student-athlete Brayden Rogers (frequently cited as Brayden Rodgers), who died alongside teammate Haylan Engdahl in a devastating vehicle-cyclist collision on Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026. The catastrophic incident occurred during a team training ride along U.S. Highway 19E in the Hampton area of Carter County.

Tennessee Highway Patrol and Local First Responders Act at Highway 19E Scene

According to official updates from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and Carter County Sheriff's Office, emergency units responded to Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. Investigators confirmed that a passenger vehicle struck a group of riders from the Milligan cycling team. Rogers and Engdahl were pronounced deceased at the scene. Multiple other cyclists suffered critical injuries and were airlifted or transported by ground emergency services to Johnson City Medical Center, where trauma units were mobilized to deliver emergency care. State troopers continue to conduct an extensive crash reconstruction analysis.

Collegiate Sports Community Unites in Support as Funeral Schedules Await Finalization

Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, Rogers was widely recognized for his dedication, competitive talent, and camaraderie within Milligan's championship-caliber cycling program. Colleges across East Tennessee, including ETSU, King University, and Tusculum University, have extended formal condolences as grief counseling services open across campus. Formal notices concerning visitation hours, memorial services, or official university prayer gatherings will be announced once finalized by his family and Milligan University officials.