McLennan County Police confirmed that the Baylor University student found dead Thursday in the back of a burning Cadillac outside of Waco, Tex., is William Patterson.

Patterson's cause of death has not yet been released.

However, McLennan County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Randy Plemons told the Associated Press that the 18-year-old's dental records have been confirmed, despite his body being burned beyond recognition.

Plemons told the AP that his car has been analyzed for evidence of how Patterson could have been burned to death. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the investigation KENS 5 reports.

Patterson had recently begun studying film and digital media at Baylor University after graduating from Churchill High School in San Antonio last year, reports the Waco Tribune-Herald.

A North East Independent School District spokeswoman told the Associated Press that Patterson was known as a popular football player and an Eagle Scout at his high school.

The Churchill High School football coach, Glenn Hill, told KENS 5 that Patterson was one of the hardest working athletes on the team.

"He was a big part of getting Churchill back in the playoffs. He played a big role on our team," Hill said. "Every day he came to school, he had a smile on his face."

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