McLennan County (KCEN)-McLennan County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the body found in a burning car near Waco in McLennan County Thursday morning is that of Baylor University freshman, Will Patterson.
The burning Cadillac was discovered just before 7 a.m. in the 400 block of Eastland Lake Drive by a passerby.
The McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Downsville and Robinson Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene to find the car burning and a body in the backseat.
Earlier Thursday evening university newspaper, The Baylor Lariat, reported that Cadillac belonged to Patterson.
The Lariat reported Patterson had been missing Thursday morning.
Officials say the body was so badly burned that race, age and gender could not initially be determined.
The fire is being considered questionable, but it has not been determined if the fire was intentional or accidental at this time.
Patterson played high school football for Churchill High School in San Antonio. He graduated in 2011.
Baylor University released a statement Friday saying, "We are deeply saddened to receive this news about Will, who was a freshman film and digital media major from San Antonio. We have extended our deepest condolences to Will's family and will continue to extend to them every measure of care that we can during this very difficult time. We are also providing support services for students on our campus who are grieving the loss of their friend and classmate."
Friends of Patterson told KCEN HD that Patterson was involved with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
On Friday the members of Phi Gamma Delta released a statement Friday saying, "The members of Phi Gamma Delta extend our deepest sympathies to the Patterson family. We share in their grief at the loss of our friend Will, and offer our full support as we all struggle with this tragic loss. We also want to thank the Baylor administration and our fellow students for their support"
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the McLennan County Sheriff's Office at 254-757-5000.
