UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio --

A fire that broke out early Sunday morning in University Heights has left one person hospitalized and another dead.

University Heights fire officials said that they received a call for a house on fire at 2:41 a.m. Sunday at 2500 Saybrook Road.

Video: UH Fire Believed To Be Accidental

Richard Smith, 52, was found in the living room of the house along with his wife, Ann Smith, 53.

Richard was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center. He is listed in critical condition.

Ann Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors describe the Smiths as nice, quiet people who lived in their home for a long time.

Firefighters responded quickly when the fire broke out and saved richard, but it was too late for Ann.

A neighbor called 911 and watched the flames spread.

"It's the worst thing I've ever seen. It was really scary. It really was to see a fire get out of control that quickly," said Kristen McHugh. "The fire just exploded and their front window blew out."

Officials believe that the fire originated in the living room. They estimate the cost of the damage to the house to be around $70,000.

The University Heights fire department and the State Fire Marshal are still working to determine what started the blaze. At this time, foul play is not suspected.

There were no working smoke detectors in the home. University Heights has a program to provide them free for residents.

This is the second fatal fire in the area in two months.

Virginia and on Meyers were killed after a fire raced through their home on Tyndall Avenue in May. The fire started in a sitting room and quickly spread. They had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

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