The Associated Press

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. — Police say three Middle Tennessee teenagers died when their sport utility vehicle became stuck in mud which plugged the exhaust system.

Eighteen-year-old Josh Baker of Winchester, 17-year-old Kristie Burton of Lynchburg and 15-year-old Alyssa Rucker of Tullahoma were found dead in the vehicle Saturday night.

Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves said the teens had been mudding near Normandy Lake when their SUV bogged down. Graves said they called for help, but kept the vehicle running.

Graves said preliminary tests showed high levels of carbon monoxide in the victims, but autopsies were being done.

Graves said the windows were rolled up to keep mud from flying into the vehicle and the engine had been left on until the SUV ran out of fuel.