Clinton, N.C. — A former Clinton teacher died Wednesday in a fire at her daughter's house, where she was staying while recovering from heart surgery, authorities said.

Sallie Vann, 88, was the only person home at the time of the fire, authorities said. She was in a hospital-type bed and was unable to escape the fire, which investigators said started in another bedroom of the house at 400 Weeks St.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.