The State Bureau of Investigation has ruled out foul play in a Tuesday morning fire that claimed the life of a Roanoke Rapids man.

Detective Obert Wiltsie of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said, however, investigators with the agency were not able to determine an immediate cause of the blaze on Gum Chapel Road off Highway 158.

Davie Volunteer Fire Chief David Padgett said Tuesday it appeared John Acrey died in his sleep. He was found on a living room couch where he normally slept.

It appears the fire started in the living room area but Padgett could not speak with certainty on whether the fire was the was the result of a small electrical heater found in the area.

Firefighters responded shortly after 6:15 a.m., receiving a 911 call of a structure fire at Acrey's home. Fire was coming out of three windows when firefighters from and Rheasville arrived.