More details released as 21-year-old killed in Massachusetts Christmas Eve fire remembered as beautiful, deeply loved

NEEDHAM — The early-morning fire that claimed a woman’s life on Christmas Eve appears to have started in the home’s garage and the preliminary evidence suggests an accidental cause, said Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy, Needham Police Chief John Schlittler, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

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

The fire at 28 Woodworth Road is being jointly investigated by the Needham Fire Department, Needham Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Norfolk DA’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Firefighters and investigators were assisted at the scene by the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team and a DFS drone unit.

Based on an examination of the area, witness interviews, and other evidence, investigators believe the fire began in the rear of an attached garage located at the right side of the three-story, single-family home. In this area, they identified several potential heat sources that could have contributed to the fire, all of which were accidental.

The Needham Fire Department responded to 28 Woodworth Road shortly before 5:00 am on December 24. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the three-story, single-family home. The first responding personnel attempted entry but were pushed back by the raging fire, which quickly spread throughout the structure and caused catastrophic damage.

Two adult occupants were able to escape. A third, 21-year-old Kayla Corrigan, was later located deceased inside. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

The fire drew a four-alarm response, with about 75 firefighters from across the region battling the flames for more than seven hours before bringing it under control.

“We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “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.”

Confirmed as authentic by Needham officials, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for the family of Corrigan who was a student at Syracuse University in New York.

“Words cannot express the depth of our grief or the shock of this loss. 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.”

According to Syracuse University, “Kayla was a senior in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management from Needham, Massachusetts, 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. Outside of the classroom she was an active member of Sigma Delta Tau.”

The fire departments of Boston, Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley, and Westwood provided mutual aid. The Boston Sparks Association provided food and beverages to personnel at the scene, and the Department of Fire Services provided a Rehab unit to support firefighter health and safety.