A teenager who was behind the wheel during a crash in Bedford County that killed him and his two passengers caused the accident by going through a stop sign, state police said today.

Steven M. Mowery, 17, of Bedford did not come to a complete stop Aug. 17 at Ferguson and Valley roads in Napier, the site of a "clearly posted" stop sign, state police said in a news release. The teens' car entered the intersection and drove into the path of a sport utility vehicle.

Mr. Mowery and the front-seat passenger, Brandi Strom, 15, of New Paris, Bedford County, died at the scene. Roger J. McGarry, 18, of Bedford, who was in the back seat, died at Altoona Trauma Center. None of the teens wore a seat belt.

The SUV driver, Tracey A. Winegardner, 37, of Schellsburg, Bedford County, suffered moderate injuries.

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