An early-morning Memorial Day house fire in Buckley took the life of 79-year-old Larry Swindle.

The victim lived in the 2-story house at 209 E. Main Street with his daughter and son-in-law. They escaped along with a grandson. Swindle was unable to escape from the second floor. He was pronounced dead just after 7 am, according to Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum.

Buckley Fire answered the call about 1 am. Several area fire departments provided mutual aid. No other injury was reported.

The State Fire Marshall was investigating. Cheatum said an autopsy revealed the cause of death was smoke inhalation.
The house was destroyed. The exact cause was undetermined, due to the extent of structure damage.

94.1 WGFA