SANDOVAL — Authorities are investigating the early morning death of an 88-year-old Sandoval woman, who had been pulled from her burning home by Sandoval firefighters.

Clare Busscher was transported by ambulance to SSM St Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room in Centralia where she was pronounced dead at 5:48 a.m. after resuscitation efforts failed.

Busscher lived alone at the residence and was the only occupant.

Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon is scheduling an autopsy for Monday to determine whether Busscher died from injuries, from smoke inhalation in the fire, or from a medical condition unassociated with the fire.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, but foul play is not suspected.

Day/Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is assisting the Busscher family with arrangements.