By Rob Bradfield
Staff Writer
Family and friends gathered in San Antonio on Monday to honor the memory of deceased San Antonio freshman Will Patterson.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. at Woodland Baptist Church, and a family visitation took place an hour earlier.
Those wishing to honor Patterson can make a donation to The Will Patterson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97050, Waco Texas 76798-7050.
The McLennan County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Friday that the body found in a burning car on Eastland Lakes Road Thursday morning belonged to Patterson.
Dallas County medical examiners received the body late Thursday. Using dental records provided by Patterson’s parents, the examiners were able to make a positive identification Friday. The medical examiner’s office has yet to determine a cause of death, and a final autopsy report is pending toxicology screenings. A spokesperson at the medical examiner’s office said they are expecting results in eight to 12 weeks.
The report came at the same time as a statement by Bill Martin, executive director of Phi Gamma Delta, the fraternity that Patterson was pledging.
“The officers and staff of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity offer our condolences to the family of Will Patterson, to the members of our chapter at Baylor, and to all those in the Baylor community who are mourning Will’s passing,” the statement said.
“We have communicated today with chapter leaders and with alumni of the Chapter who are advising the chapter, to offer support and guidance, and will continue to do so. We appreciate the support that our members have received from the Baylor administration and staff.”
Baylor has also issued a statement offering condolences to the Patterson family, and support for those grieving Patterson.
“The thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Baylor family are with the Pattersons, and with Will’s friends here on our campus and in his hometown of San Antonio, as they mourn this devastating loss,” the statement said.
For students that need a place to help them deal with grief, the university grief support group — Good Grief — meets at 2 p.m. on Thursdays in the Bobo Spiritual Life Center.
Patterson’s Cadillac CTS was found early Thursday morning by the Robinson Fire Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s deputies. Patterson’s body, initially unidentifiable, was found in the back seat.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, a full investigation has been underway since Thursday morning. Authorities are treating the incident as a questionable death.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Baylor Police department are cooperating with the Sheriff’s department on the investigation. Baylor’s statement also said the university will assist the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
