Families of Milligan Cyclists Join The White Line in Washington to Demand Action on Preventable Road Deaths

September 18, 2026

Following the crash that killed two Milligan University cyclists and injured seven others, families and advocates traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal leaders and push for stronger protections for vulnerable road users

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 18, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Less than a month after a driver struck members of the Milligan University cycling team during a training ride, killing two young cyclists and injuring seven others, families connected to the tragedy traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside The White Line to advocate for change.

The group met with Senators Hagerty, Blackburn and Hickenlooper, Representatives Harshbarger and Neguse, and staff from the offices of Senators Curtis and Duckworth to share the human impact of roadway violence and discuss the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act. We are grateful during such a busy time these lawmakers took time to meet and hear our stories.

The visit brought together families whose lives have been permanently changed by road violence, including Heather and Christopher Engdahl (Haylan’s parents), Abby Johnson and Jon Rogers (Brayden’s parents), alongside Jacqueline Claudia, Executive Director of The White Line and Michael White and Jill White, Magnus White’s parents and Co-Founders of The White Line.

On August 19, members of the Milligan University cycling team were riding together in Carter County, Tennessee, when a driver struck the group. Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers were killed, and seven of their teammates were injured.

“Every race I cheered Haylan on with 2 words ‘DO SOMETHING’”, said Heather & Christopher Engdahl. “He knew that meant to dig deep, find what mattered in the moment and power through for a finish he was proud of. We ask you now to DO SOMETHING for our sons so that this cycle ends with us.”

“Nothing will bring my son Brayden back, but I want to prevent another parent from getting that same unimaginable phone call,” said Abby Johnson. “We can help bring something meaningful from these terrible tragedies. We can save lives. I can’t think of a better way to honor our sons. “

The White Line has spent the past two years working with families, advocates and policymakers to advance roadway safety reforms at both the state and federal levels. In Colorado, that advocacy helped contribute to eight new roadway safety laws enacted in 2026, including Magnus’ Law, which established new statewide protocols for the investigation of serious crashes.

At the federal level, The White Line is advocating for stronger vehicle safety standards designed to better protect cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users with the Magnus White and Safe Streets for All Act.

“The courage and strength of these families to take the worst experience of their lives and use that to help protect all of us is inspiring,” said Jacqueline Claudia, Executive Director, The White Line. “It’s not hard to see where Brayden, Haylen, and Magnus got their fire! Together we can change this system.”

MEDIA: If you have questions, please direct them to The White Line at media@thewhiteline.org and not directly to the families. Thank you.

Subscribe for updates to stay up to date on advocacy and legislation.

About The White Line

Our mission is clear: honor Magnus White’s legacy by changing driver behavior through real stories, hard data and lifesaving technology. People are dying now, and we need to act now. No apologies. No more stolen lives. No more shattered families. We’re committed to making the roads safer today.

To donate visit https://www.thewhiteline.org/pages/donate

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Natalie Rizk

The White Line

media@thewhiteline.org