TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - An unintentional kitchen fire in Tifton claimed the life of an 88-year-old man and injured another person early Monday morning, according to officials.

The Tifton Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported house fire with possible entrapment around 3 a.m. at a home on 2011 Hall Avenue. When crews arrived, one person had already escaped the residence and told firefighters that another individual was still inside.

One neighbor, who lives on the street, said her family frantically woke up to someone ringing their doorbell.

“My neighbor was at the door and told us that the house was on fire. And one of my sons called 911 immediately,” Alisa Coffin said. “There was a lot of smoke. The fire was burning very vigorously.”

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Firefighters entered the home and removed the second person, who was later pronounced dead. The individual who escaped the fire suffered minor injuries and was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center. That person’s identity has not been released.

The State Fire Marshal investigated the scene and determined the fire was accidental, originating in the kitchen. Officials say no foul play is suspected.

The Tift County Coroner identified the victim as 88-year-old Harry Johnson. The coroner confirmed Johnson was not the homeowner but was visiting from Brunswick, Georgia. An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death.

“This is a very tragic situation. And we’re all heartbroken for the loss,” Maghan Campbell, another neighbor, said.

Beyond losing his friend, Campbell and Coffin said the homeowner lost nearly all of his belongings in the fire, and he lives alone. Neighbors have provided him with clothing and furniture, and they’re searching for a place for him to stay while he recovers.

“This person is a friend to all. He has got friends all throughout the community. So our neighborhood is definitely rallying around him.”

Neighbors have created a GoFundMe link to help rebuild the life of the Tifton community’s dearest friends.

GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/help-peter-rebuild-after-a-devastating-house-fire

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