Elderly woman believed dead in Tallyrand house fire

One person is dead in a morning fire in Tallyrand.  Jacksonville Fire Rescue tells WOKV News the victim was discovered dead in the house near E. 24th and Bridier Streets. 

A woman tells our partner Action News her 86 year-old mother was not able to make it out of the house.  The woman is described as a kind, devout Christian who was known to help anyone in need. 

She was a mother of eight daughters, and even more grandchildren. 

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Paul says it was heartbreaking.  "We actually had a 911 call that was not answered. When the dispatcher answered the call person never responded. We're working to find out if it was the person in the home," said Sgt. Paul.

Police on scene say the body was discovered on the bottom floor near the stairs.  It appeared the person was trying to get out of the house.

There is no word yet on a cause.  The fire marshal is investigating what caused the fire.