FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Authorities say a Fayetteville business owner has died in a fire at his shop.


Washington County Coroner Roger Morris says 57-year-old Bruce Walker was taken to the hospital after his business, Flying Possum Leather, caught fire shortly after 6:30 a.m. Monday. Officials say Walker's body will be taken to the state medical examiner's office in Little Rock for an autopsy.

Firefighters say Walker was the only person inside at the shop. His dog managed to escape unharmed.

Walker made custom sandals, belts and other leather goods in the shop for several years.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.