Kayla Corrigan, Syracuse University student killed in Needham, Massachusetts house fire now thought to be accidentally started. Two others escape blaze. Tragedy leaves school gutted as tributes pour in for beloved marketing major who was scheduled to graduate in spring.
A Syracuse University student, died Wednesday, Christmas Eve after a house fire erupting at 28 Woodworth Road in Needham, Massachusetts, according to local fire officials.
Kayla Corrigan, 21, a senior at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse was set to graduate in spring, according to a university official. At the time of her death, Corrigan was studying marketing management.
Beloved marketing graduate killed in ‘accidental’ Needham house fire
Corrigan graduated from Newton Country Day School in 2022, according to her LinkedIn page, before going on to become an active member of college campus organizations, including Sigma Delta Tau, where the marketing major served as fundraising coordinator and helped raise over $12,000 for local charities, MassLive reported.
Firefighters from seven towns responded to the four-alarm blaze early Wednesday morning, following reports of the structure being fully engaged in flames, but were unable to save Corrigan. Two others in the home escaped unharmed. Corrigan was later found dead inside.
The fire quickly spread through the three-story, 6,500-square-foot home, which is listed in property records as belonging to Christina B. Corrigan. Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said the incident was ‘heart wrenching’ for both the family and the community.
In all it took 75 firefights up to seven hours before they were able to bring the blaze under control.
Tributes pour in as GoFundme fundraiser reaches over $138K
The State Fire Marshal’s office and State Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined. Officials noted that winter months see a higher incidence of such tragedies. Preliminary evidence points to accidental cause of fatal fire.
State officials said Friday that the fire appeared to have originated in the garage and sparked accidentally.
‘Please be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency,’ stated State Fire Marshal Davine.
Corrigan’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from Syracuse University and her hometown.
‘Kayla immersed herself into internships strengthening her understanding of navigating marketing decisions in an evolving global landscape,’ read a statement from Syracuse University’s Chief Student Experience Officer Allen W. Groves. ‘We offer our unwavering support and sincere condolences during this time.’
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Kayla’s family. Donations will go to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, temporary housing and basic necessities.
‘Kayla was a beautiful 21 year old girl who was deeply loved by many. Her absence has left a space that can never be filled. We will carry her memory with us always,’ reads the GoFundMe page.
As of Saturday night the fundraiser had raised $137,540 out of a $150K goal.
