Athens Fire Victims Identified

June 23, 2008 - 1:34 PM
Associated Press

Authorities in Athens said a couple in their 30s died in a house fire.

Officials said Monday the victims were Christopher Michael Dyke and Barrie Leigh Sweeton.

Both were 33 years old.

A police officer was patrolling early Sunday when he smelled smoke and called in the alarm.

Detective Heith Willis said the fire was too hot for the officer to enter the house.

Willis said state fire inspectors determined there was no foul play involved and the search for the cause is still under way.

Willis said Dyke's body was found near a bedroom door and Sweeton's body was on a bed.

Investigators say the victims were probably quickly overwhelmed by smoke in the small house they were renting.