Phoenix -- A man in his late 30s was roasting a pig at a family gathering Wednesday night when he somehow fell into the cylindrical pit.

It happened on East Kristal Way in North Phoenix.

Despite the fact that the pit was only 3 feet deep, the man was overcome by the heat and failed to get out.

Neighbors heard his screams for help, but by the time his family got to him, it was already too late.

A spokesman from the Phoenix Fire Department told CBS 5 News that one of the victim's friends was so distraught, he had to be transported to the hospital.

Phoenix police are investigating to see if alcohol may have been a contributing factor, but at this time, they believe it was just a horrible accident.