Zachary Ruble, a former Eagle Scout, avid outdoor enthusiast and President's Club Scholar at the University of Utah, was positively identified Friday as the man whose body was found in a burning car in southwest Utah earlier this month.

The 19-year-old Maysville, Ky., man was identified by DNA testing, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said.

Ruble's parents got the news Friday from the Utah Medical Examiner's Office.

"We are heartbroken over this tragic loss of our precious son Zach," said Jay and Paula Ruble in a statement released through their church pastor Steve Lesher.

Ruble's burned body was found in an SUV near Hurricane on the morning of April 2, said Washington County Undersheriff Jake Adams. A rancher saw the red or maroon Kia sport utility in flames in the Smith's Mesa area about 6 a.m. Police believe the car was torched shortly before the rancher saw it.

Police have not determined if the fire and death was an accident, suicide or homicide, but have not announced any suspects or signs of foul play.

Ruble was a freshman majoring in bioengineering at the U. before he died.

"The entire university extends its deepest condolences to Zach's family and friends," said University spokeswoman Coralie Alder in a statement released Friday.

Gerald McKay, a neighbor of the Rubles in Kentucky, said things are hard right now for the family and the neighborhood.

"They're doing their best to cope," said Lesher, a pastor at First Christian Church in the Rubles' hometown.

Zachary Ruble enjoyed snow skiing, backpacking, rock climbing and bouldering, his parents said. He was an Eagle Scout and passionate about protecting the environment.

"We are humbled by the outpouring of support from family, friends, the community and strangers," Jay and Paula Ruble said.