DADE COUNTY, Ga. – Local and state investigators are working to determine the cause of a fatal structure fire that occurred late Wednesday night on Old 29 Highway in Hart County.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene just before midnight on October 29, alongside the Hart County Fire Department and Hart County EMS.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but the residence sustained major damage. During a search of the home, responders discovered a deceased male in a back room.

The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Hart County Coroner’s Office, and Hart County Sheriff’s Office investigators are jointly investigating both the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the death.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the victim. Additional information will be made public as the investigation continues.