PD: Man found dead in Peoria house fire

PEORIA, AZ - Police are investigating after a man was found dead Friday inside a West Valley home destroyed by fire.

Peoria police Sgt. Jay Davies said units responded to the home near 79th and Peoria avenues around 2:45 p.m. after a neighbor reported the blaze.

Fire crews reportedly found a 57-year-old man in the living room of the home after the flames were extinguished. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Davies.

Neighbors said the man lived in the neighborhood for decades, and that say he lived in the home alone. They also said he was a long-time dentist in the Valley, and didn't have much family close.    
 
"He would always stop and help someone if you needed it," said neighbor John Simmons. 

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the cause of the man's death.

The man's identity has not been released.