Man killed in house fire in Grayslake area

Authorities say a 44-year-old man died after a fire broke out at a home near Grayslake early Sunday.

The fire was reported just before 12:40 a.m. at a residence in the 17800 block of West Winnebago Drive.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, officers called to the scene encountered the homeowner outside, who had escaped the fire but reported that her son was still inside and trying to get out.

Officers attempted to enter the home, but the smoke was too heavy and they could not get in, sheriff’s police said.

Gurnee firefighters arrived a short time later and were able to enter the home wearing their protective gear, officials said. They discovered the man was unconscious and not breathing. Life-saving measures were initiated and the man was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, sheriff’s police said.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff’s investigators, firefighters and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire, but preliminary indications suggest it is not suspicious, authorities said.