GoFundMe launched for family after college student dies in Needham fire

Supporters launched a GoFundMe for the family of the 21-year-old who died when a Christmas Eve fire tore through their Needham home, leaving relatives grieving and displaced.

The fundraiser identified the young woman who died as Kayla Renee Corrigan, saying she was a sister and daughter. 

“Her absence has left a space that can never be filled,” the fundraiser page read. “We will carry her memory with us always.” 

The fundraiser will help cover the cost of the funeral, memorial expenses, temporary housing, and necessities for the Corrigan family. 

The fundraiser, which began on Friday, has already surpassed its goal of $150,000, raising close $170,000 as of Monday morning. 

A letter to the Syracuse University community from Allen W. Groves, the college’s Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer, identified Kayla Corrigan as a senior in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, preparing to graduate this spring with a degree in marketing management.

“Kayla immersed herself into internships strengthening her understanding of navigating marketing decisions in an evolving global landscape,” Groves wrote, also noting that she was an active member of Sigma Delta Tau.

“On behalf of … the entire Orange community, we offer our unwavering support and sincere condolences during this time,” he wrote.

Previously, fire officials said that the accidental blaze began in the garage of the three-story single-family home. When fire responders attempted to enter the house just before 5 a.m. on Dec. 24, heavy smoke and flames pushed them back. 

The fire quickly spread throughout the structure, causing “catastrophic” damage, officials said. 

Two adults were able to escape the home, but first responders later found Kayla dead inside. 

The fire caused a four-alarm response, bringing about 75 firefighters from neighboring communities to the scene. They worked for more than seven hours to get the fire under control.

“Our thoughts have been with the family since the early morning hours of December 24 and they remain with the family today,” Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said in a statement. “I want to recognize the outpouring of compassion from Needham residents who are sending their love and support.”

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.