A structure fire this morning has apparently claimed the life of an Estill County man.
The Estill County Fire Department and Estill EMS were dispatched to a structure fire in the South Irvine area at 240 McKee Road around 8:30 am this morning.
Bystanders on scene advised the fire department that the vehicle belonging to the homeowner was still in the driveway and instructed where he would be in the residence after the fire was under control.
A body was then discovered in the structure.
The Estill County Coroners Office was notified and the victim has been identified as the homeowner, Mr. Jerry Richardson, age 59.
The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Richardson succumbed to smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy.
