Firefighters investigating a double-fatal house fire on Detroit's west side

DETROIT (FOX 2) - The Detroit Fire Department is investigating a double-fatal fire that occurred this morning on Detroit's west side.

At 8:13 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire on Cherokee St near 8 Mile Rd and Telegraph Rd in Detroit.

"I just heard the sirens this morning getting up for work and someone in the driveway screaming," said Portia Valley, a neighbor.

The fire was in a single-family home occupied by two residents; Robert and Christine McCoy. 

"When we got there, we had to force open the front door. Very, very heavy fire. Very heavy smoke," said Deputy Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell.

The elderly couple was found inside their home. Christine was found already deceased. Robert was found still alive and fighting to survive.

He was transported to the hospital but was unfortunately pronounced deceased.

"They had been hard-working people all their life, you know, they retired and were just living out their older years," said Roberta Floyd, Robert's daughter.

Investigators said the fire appeared to have started in the basement. At this time it does not appear to be arson.

It is unclear if there were working smoke detectors in the home.

As the family tries to cope with this tragic loss, they make peace in knowing this.

"The only good thing is that they went together," said Floyd.

The investigation is ongoing.