The 4-year-old boy who was found dead after a house fire Tuesday died from smoke inhalation, Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said Wednesday.
John Bankes III was found with burns after the fire, but according to autopsy results, the burns most likely occurred after he died, Harwood said in a news release.
The fire at 312 Buena Vista St. began at about 11:40 a.m. Harwood said witnesses told him flames were coming out of the front of the house, near where the young boy was found.
Bankes was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. His father, who was just outside the home before the fire, was burned trying to save him. He was treated at a local hospital, Harwood said.
Further information about the fire including the cause was not available Wednesday afternoon. The Bartonville Police Department and Illinois State Fire Marshal are investigating the fire.