FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Tragedy unfolding Thursday morning in Fairview Heights. A 61-year-old woman was found dead inside her home after authorities responded to a medical emergency there and found a fire.

It happened on 1st Avenue just off St. Clair Avenue, not far from Route 157. However, much of the scene was focused on the back of the home, which is on the next street over on Magdalena Avenue.

This all started just after 5:15 a.m.

Chief Bryan Doyle of the Fairview Heights Fire Department said first responders received a medical alert from a device worn by the woman.

When authorities got to the home, they found it on fire. More crews were called in to fight the flames.

Chief Doyle told FOX 2 that he 61-year-old woman was found deceased in her bed in the rear of the home.

At this point, the woman’s name has not yet been released.

Authorities also explained that she lived at the home with other family members, but nobody else was there when this all unfolded.

Doyle said the State Fire Marshal had been called in to assist with the investigation, including trying to determine a cause for the fire.

The Fairview Heights Police Department is also investigating. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.