The Highland Mills community is mourning the loss of local carpenter and home improvement expert David Jessup, who lost his life in a fast-moving fire that tore through his home Wednesday.

"I cried like a baby," said Jessup's former business partner, George Ziegler. "He's a part of my life - a big part of my life. We lost a really talented person."

Jessup's body was found in his basement workshop by firefighters after the flames were extinguished. Cornwall police expect to receive autopsy results and a report from fire investigators in the next week.

Investigators think the fire may have been sparked in that workshop. Zeigler, who used to build houses with Jessup, said the victim's carpentry skills were limitless.

"He built doors, windows, cabinets?you name it, he could build it," said Zeigler.

Workshop may have fueled fatal Cornwall fire