A 21-year-old university student has died following a devastating fire that destroyed her family's multi-million-pound mansion in a Boston suburb on Christmas Eve.
A Fatal Blaze in the Early Hours
Kayla Corrigan, 21, was killed when a fierce fire broke out at her family's home in the affluent area of Needham, Massachusetts, in the early hours of 24 December. Emergency services were called to the sprawling 2,500-square-foot property, which features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, at around 5am as flames and heavy smoke engulfed the building.
Fire crews attempted to enter the residence but were forced back by the intensity of the inferno, which the state fire marshal said spread rapidly throughout the house. Two other adults who were inside at the time managed to escape without injury. Corrigan was later found deceased within the home.
Remembering a 'Beloved' and 'Kind' Soul
Kayla Corrigan was a member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority at Syracuse University and was on course to graduate this spring with a degree in marketing management. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, her sorority sisters described her as a "kind and caring soul" known for her warmth, humour, and selflessness.
"Kayla shared the most beautiful presence," the post read. "Everyone who knew her recognised her kindness." The sorority has extended its condolences to her family and plans to honour her at their chapter house when students return after the winter break.
University Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves noted that Corrigan was a driven student who had immersed herself in internships to advance her marketing knowledge.
Investigation and Community Support
Investigators from the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's office believe the fire began accidentally in the rear of an attached garage. While the exact cause remains under investigation, firefighters identified several heat sources in the area that may have contributed to the blaze.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to cover funeral costs and provide temporary housing for the family. It has seen an outpouring of support, raising more than $160,000. Contributions have come from university fraternities, including Delta Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as well as the Syracuse men's ice hockey team.
The family home sustained what police termed "catastrophic damage." Property records indicate the home was occupied by Corrigan's mother, Christa, a long-serving General Electric executive, and her 23-year-old sister, Alyssa. Her father, James, who also had a career with GE, lives separately in Florida.
Neither Corrigan's parents nor her sister have made a public statement regarding the incident. The university has encouraged those affected to make use of available counselling and support services.
