Santa Clara police have initially ruled out foul play in the death of a man whose body was found in his smoke-filled house Wednesday.

But Police Chief Bob Hanson also said Thursday that the fire does not seem to have been the cause of death for Michael Hardman, either.

"The fire started from a cigarette smouldering in a pillow, but it wasn't the cause of his death. We're thinking it was a medical problem, but we won't know until the medical examiner in Salt Lake City finishes with the toxiocology and autopsy," Hanson said.

However, the fire did result in a trip to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George for Hardman's ex-wife, Theresa, where she was treated for smoke inhalation and released.

"Talking with the family and with talking with her, we learned they had been drinking quite heavily," Hanson said. "As far as any foul play, we found none."

Police officers, medical personnel and firefighters were called to the 55-year-old's home, near 500 North and Country Lane, at 7:23 a.m. Wednesday. Hanson said the house was filled with light smoke when crews entered. Michael Hardman was dead at the scene.