Bridges said the autopsy is being conducted by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office.

Doubek said Maples had sent text messages to some of his friends earlier on Saturday that he was having headaches.

“Right now, that’s our only clue.”

Doubek said while no official fund has been established, money given to church officials is being deposited into the family’s bank account.

The family’s pastor said the young man was studying as a peer pastor and had plans to attend the University of Arkansas.

“Anthony was the type of young man who at first seemed shy and quiet,” Doubek said.

“But in reality, he loved to laugh and he made others laugh. He also was a huge Razorback fan. He’ll be buried in his favorite Razorback shirt.”

Carol Stark is the editor of The Joplin Globe.