76-year-old man dies in Libertyville house fire

An elderly man died in a house fire Wednesday night in north suburban Libertyville.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at a single-family home in the 30300 block of Oak Grove Avenue about 10:45 p.m., according to the Libertyville Fire Department and Lake County sheriff’s office.

Deputies learned that 76-year-old Kenneth Deyo, who had limited mobility, was still inside his home, according to the sheriff’s office, but firefighters weren’t immediately able to enter the house due to heavy smoke and fire.

When firefighters were able to go inside, Deyo was found dead on the first floor. He died of smoke and soot inhalation, according to the Lake County coroner’s office.

Deyo’s caretaker told investigators she had left a short time earlier, then received a call from him asking her to return, according to the sheriff’s office. When she returned, she found the house on fire and called 911.

The fire remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office, Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Libertyville fire investigators.