2005 Esacape starting problem

I have not had any problems until last night. My husband drove our suv and then went to get gas last. He stated the light for gas had come on. After pumping gas the car would not start. The air came on, the lights worked, and the lights on the dashboard too...but the car would not crank. We got it towed to our house and then it turned on. Could it have run out of gas or could it be something else like a shortage in the starter? If anyone out there has any suggestions or enlightment please HELP