An early Sunday morning fire on Morningside Drive took the life of an elderly Griffin resident, 76-year-old Albert C. “Carey” Jones.

According to Griffin Fire-Rescue Chief Tommy Jones said he received notification of the fire at approximately 7 a.m., and heavy smoke was showing upon the arrival of the first fire units.

Chief Jones said the victim attempted, but was unable to escape his residence.

“He was found at the front door. He was trying to make an escape. My guys immediately went through the front door and found him, pulled him out and started cardiac arrest procedures on him,” Jones said. “He was transported by Spalding Regional (Emergency Medical Services).”

Chief Jones said fire officials do not consider this incident suspicious.

“This was highly unlikely, but there’s nothing suspicious at this point,” he said. “There was a heavy fuel load in the house, so it took a little while to get it under control. Most people have heavy fuel loads in their home just with furnishings.”

Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster concurred that while tragic, Mr. Jones death does not appear suspicious.

“It’s one of those sad things that happens, but you don’t expect,” Foster said.

Foster confirmed that preliminary examination in the WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Department indicated the victim’s death was caused by smoke inhalation, but Mr. Jones’ body has been transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for autopsy.