A West Virginia University student is dead and his roommate severely burned as a result of a house fire Monday morning, Jan. 1, at 515 McLane Ave. in the Sunnyside area of Morgantown.

Dead at the scene was Brian Peter Hoban, 22, a senior pre-geology major from Clarksburg.

A roommate, 23-year-old Brian Smith of Morgantown, was transported to West Penn Burn Center for treatment of second- and third-degree burns over 20 percent of his body. A third roommate, a WVU student, was not home at the time of the incident.

The accidental fire apparently started in a first floor room as a result of a crimped lamp cord and quickly spread throughout the two-story wooden structure, according to fire officials.

“This is a very sad day,”said associate dean of Student Life Tom Sloane.”We feel for the Hoban and Smith families and loved ones, and offer them our prayers and support.”

The fire was reported by neighbors around 8:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. By the time firefighters arrived the house was fully engaged.