A tragic fire on East Howard Street early Saturday morning took the life of Trey Miller, 32, of Tryon. Although an official identification has not yet been made, family members have confirmed it was Miller, with family and friends holding a vigil to honor him on Sunday evening.

The Tryon Fire Department was dispatched to 950 East Howard Street at 3:03 a.m. Saturday, according to the fire department.

A second occupant of the home was able to exit the house safely and call 911, according to the Tryon Fire Department.

“The house was fully involved upon arrival of Tryon fire and Tryon police units,” said Tryon Fire Chief Joey Davis. “The Tryon Fire Department was able to locate a deceased victim in the residence.”

Columbus and Saluda fire departments provided mutual aid with additional assistance from the Landrum Fire Department, Polk County EMS, Polk County Rescue Squad and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Davis said per protocol the investigation was turned over to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Davis said the victim’s body was sent for an autopsy and he hopes to have the cause of death and official identification this week.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation with the investigation including the Tryon Police Department, the Tryon Fire Department and the SBI.

About 200 people attended Sunday’s vigil for Miller in front of the home where the fire occurred.

The vigil included friends and family holding candles and balloons and singing, with many uncontrollably crying and hugging each other. Several friends and family went inside the burned house that was surrounded by police tape.

Beginning early Saturday morning when news broke of the death, people rushed to Facebook to speak of Miller and what a great man he was and the shock of the news of his death.