The body of a 2011 Churchill High School graduate was found dead inside the backseat of a burned car in Waco, Texas, according to a report by ABC affiliate KXXV-TV.

The report said friends and family confirmed to KXXV-TV Baylor freshman Will Patterson was found inside the charred remains of a newer model Cadillac early Thursday morning. KXXV-TV reported the car was registered recently to Patterson.

According to the report, the McLennan County Sheriff's Office said the body was burned beyond recognition and a positive ID could not be made until dental records were confirmed.

The body was sent to Dallas for an autopsy. Officials said in the report it was not clear what caused the car to catch fire.

An investigation is underway to determine why the victim was in the backseat and why the car was in the mostly rural area of the county.

A spokesperson for North East Independent School District would only confirm that grief counselors would be on campuses Friday for students. Patterson played on the Churchill Chargers football team.