60-year-old man dies in Owsley Co. house fire

BOONEVILLE, Ky. – An Owsley County man is dead following a reported house fire on Tuesday.

According to trooper Justin Kearney, public affairs officer for KSP Post 7, just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, troopers received a request from the Owsley County Sheriff’s Department to assist investigating a fatal house fire on Amburgey Road in Booneville.

Troopers and detectives, along with the Owsley County coroner, responded to the scene.

Trooper say a preliminary investigation revealed 60-year-old Vernon Herald of Booneville was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

At this time, troopers say no foul play is suspected. The Kentucky Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in determining the origin and cause of the fire. Kentucky State Police personnel were assisted by the Owsley County Sheriff’s Office, multiple fire departments and the Owsley County Coroner’s Office.