MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Rockcastle County family is mourning the loss of a beloved mother and family dog after a fire engulfed their home on Davis Street in Mount Vernon on Monday morning.
The Rockcastle County Coroner's Office confirmed to LEX 18 73-year-old Lois Marie Bowman was killed when flames tore through her home. The family's dog, Billy Bob, also died in the fire, officials confirmed.
"Our office was notified of a potential fire fatality this a.m. just a little after 10. It looks like the original call came in from 911 at approximately 9:14 this morning. A neighbor bystander saw it," Dawn Carpenter, Rockcastle County Coroner, said.
The victim's son, who shared the home with his mother, had left for work shortly before the fire was reported.
"Anytime that we have a fatality of any sort, our hearts go out to their family and friends," Carpenter said.
Carpenter, who serves as both coroner and firefighter in the community, noted that these incidents are particularly difficult for first responders.
"It's especially bad because both myself and my other deputy are both firefighters and so this kind of brings stuff closer to home," Carpenter said.
The fire remains under investigation, although authorities do not suspect foul play at this time.
