SALT LAKE CITY — One person was killed in a large house fire in Sandy on Thursday morning, according to authorities on scene.

The fire triggered a reverse 911 call prompting the houses around it to evacuate. A firefighter on scene told KSL TV the person who died in the home was the only person inside, and was likely a man.

Deputy Fire Chief Chris Aston later confirmed the victim was 75-year-old Ronald Cottam.

Sherrie Jessee, a neighbor who lived near the person who passed away for more than 30 years, said she was shocked to hear of the man’s death.

“I’m just really sad that … that he didn’t make it,” Jessee said.

According to Jessee, the man lived alone for the last few years, but has an ex-wife and three grown children.

Wayne Smith lives just up the street and has known the victim f

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