By The Associated Press

DICKINSON, N.D. - Police say three missing North Dakota college softball players have been found dead in their vehicle, which was pulled from a pond northwest of Dickinson.

Police Lt. Rod Banyai said Tuesday night that police are "still investigating" the cause of the deaths.

Authorities have been searching since Sunday night for 21-year-old Ashley Neufeld of Brandon, Man., 22-year-old Kyrstin Gemar of San Diego; and 20-year-old Afton Williamson.

The Dickinson State University students were said to be in a white 1997 Jeep Cherokee with California plates when they were last heard from in calls made to two friends on cell phones before the lines went dead.