The coroner has released the identity of a man who died after he became trapped in a house fire near Grayslake that also killed at least one dog Sunday morning.
A preliminary autopsy showed that Thomas Morley, 44, of Grayslake, died as a result of inhalation of products of combustion from a fire, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
Toxicology testing, including carbon monoxide testing, is pending.
The Gurnee Fire Department, Grayslake Fire Protection District and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:45 a.m. Sunday to the 17800 block of West Winnebago Drive in unincorporated Grayslake for a report of a structure fire.
Gurnee Fire Department Battalion Chief Tim Steffens said at the scene that crews received reports of a victim trapped inside the house.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived first, but could not enter the home due to heavy smoke, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The 63-year-old homeowner, who was outside the home, told deputies that her adult son, later identified as Morley, was still inside and he had been attempting to exit the residence, Covelli said.
Firefighters arrived and quickly searched the building and pulled hose lines to put water on the fire.
“They were able to remove our victim with serious injuries,” Steffens said.
Paramedics transported Morley to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
He was not conscious and not breathing when he was rescued. Morley died at the hospital.
Steffens said one or two dogs died. There were no other residents besides the mother and her son.
The fire was brought under control 15-20 minutes after crews arrived.
The fire was confined to the bedroom and living room area, but the house is uninhabitable due to heavy smoke and fire damage, Steffens said.
The cause of the fire and a damage estimate were not immediately available as investigators from multiple Lake County fire departments continue to investigate the incident.
The Grayslake, Newport Township and Lake Villa fire departments assisted the Gurnee Fire Department at the scene.
“Although preliminary indications show the fire does not appear suspicious, sheriff’s detectives responded to the scene,” Covelli said.
Detectives are continuing their investigation with fire department investigators and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.