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Northwestern HS senior dies in SC car crash

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — A Rock Hill teenager died in a two-car accident in Richland County, South Carolina, on Friday afternoon.

Benjamin Elliott Owens, 17, of Rock Hill, was driving a 2002 Mustang that was struck in the side by a minivan. Owens died at the scene, according to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.

An autopsy showed Owens died from trauma associated with the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. S.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Bob Beres said the Mustang failed to stop at a stop sign.

School official Elaine Baker confirmed that Owens was a senior at Northwestern High School.

"It's tragic when a young person loses his life, and I know from experience that the students and staff at Northwestern are still in disbelief that they have lost (one) of their own," Baker said.

The school tweeted about Owens' death on Saturday night, and said another student was injured in the accident with him.

Northwestern High School also retweeted Lori Owens, who said his visitation will be on Sunday at 4 p.m. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday.

Counselors will be available for students on Tuesday.