(FHnews Update, Jan 12) -- Fire officials have determined that Firefighter Jason Gouckenour, 22, of the Worthington-Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department in Indiana, died from smoke inhalation after entering an early morning house fire alone on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene after his body was recovered some seven hours after going inside. He apparantly lost his face mask. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning.

(FHnews, Jan 10) -- Volunteer Firefighter Jason "Frog" Gouckenour, 22, of the Worthington-Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department in Indiana, died early Saturday morning while battling a house fire. He was married and the father of two young children.

Gouckenour entered the blaze alone with a handline after arriving on the first-due engine company, which was staffed by Gouckenour and a driver. The residents of the house -- two adults and two children -- had escaped prior the fire department's arrival. He had been wearing full protective clothing. The roof of the home collapsed, but it was still being determined how he was killed. An autopsy was being performed yesterday.

In various news reports, Gouckenour, a diesel mechanic, was referred to as "gung-ho."

Fire offiicials said once more personnel arrived, several firefighters attempted to rescue Gouckenour, who had run to the firehouse from his home several blocks away when his pager activated for the incident. But the firefighters were pushed back by flames.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday evening at the Welsh and Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington, Indiana. Funeral information was not yet available.

Investigators believe that the fire started in the area of the furnace, but the cause was still under investigation Sunday.