According to WTVA, a man was killed in a house fire in Monroe County early Thursday morning.

His wife said they escaped but then he ran back inside to rescue their dog and ended up dying from smoke inhalation.

Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley identified the victim as 76-year-old Howard Ausborn. The fire occurred at Ausborn’s home on Highway 45, north of Aberdeen.

WTVA reported that Ausborn lived with his wife, who was not injured in the fire. She told firefighters that smoke detectors alerted them to the fire and they left the house.

Ausborn ran back inside to try and rescue the dog.

According to the coroner, first responders found Ausborn lying in the yard, and he was pronounced dead at 5:15 a.m.

The dog was later found deceased as well.

Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the fire.