N※N

Syracuse University Senior Dies in Christmas Eve House Fire

68

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. ity-senior-dies-in-christmas-eve-house-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 9:38 GMT by syracuse.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-28 236 x 214 / 9803 Bytes

2025-12-28 243 x 208 / 11642 Bytes

2025-12-28 179 x 224 / 12928 Bytes

2025-12-28 200 x 200 / 7879 Bytes

Syracuse University Senior Dies in Christmas Eve House Fire – Community Mourns Loss

A devastating house fire on Christmas Eve has tragically claimed the life of a Syracuse University senior, leaving the campus community reeling with grief and prompting investigations into the cause of the blaze. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Nicholas J. D'Andrea, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Political Science. The fire occurred at a residence on East Genesee Street in Syracuse’s University District around 6:30 PM on December 24th.

According to reports from the Syracuse Fire Department (SFD), multiple calls were placed reporting flames visible from the two-story house. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions engulfing the front of the structure and impacting adjacent buildings. The rapid spread of the fire necessitated a multi-alarm response, with crews battling the blaze for several hours. Initial reports indicated that all occupants had evacuated, but during a secondary search, D’Andrea was discovered deceased inside.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for our campus community," stated Chancellor Joanne Mahoney in a statement released on Christmas Day. "Nicholas was a valued member of Syracuse University and his memory will be cherished. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time." The university has made counseling services available to students, faculty, and staff impacted by the tragedy (see SU News for more details).

The house where the fire occurred was occupied by several individuals, all of whom were students at Syracuse University. While some escaped safely, others required medical attention for smoke inhalation. Three people were transported to Upstate University Hospital for evaluation; their conditions are currently listed as stable. The SFD confirmed that a total of six residents lived in the house. The identities of the other residents have not been officially released by authorities pending notification of all parties involved.

Investigators from the SFD and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have stated that it's too early to definitively pinpoint what sparked the blaze. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire originated on the first floor, but a thorough examination of the structure will be required once it’s deemed safe for entry. The intense heat and significant structural damage are complicating the investigative process.

The East Genesee Street location is a densely populated area with many student residences, making evacuations challenging. Several neighboring houses sustained minor fire or smoke damage, requiring assessments and potential repairs. The SFD faced difficulties accessing hydrants due to parked cars in the area, highlighting an ongoing concern regarding emergency vehicle access in the University District (as previously reported by Syracuse.com).

Nicholas D’Andrea was remembered by friends and family as a bright, kind, and dedicated student with a passion for politics. He was described as being involved in several campus organizations and known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the D'Andrea family with funeral expenses and other related costs (link provided by family). His mother, Lisa D’Andrea, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook expressing her grief and sharing memories of her son.

The tragedy has sparked renewed discussion about fire safety measures in student housing within Syracuse. While the house itself was reportedly equipped with smoke detectors, their functionality at the time of the fire remains under investigation. Syracuse University requires all off-campus student residences to have working smoke detectors, but enforcement and regular inspections can be a challenge. The city’s code enforcement office is reviewing its procedures for ensuring compliance among rental properties in the University District (see City of Syracuse website).

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety precautions – including regularly testing smoke detectors, having escape plans, and being aware of potential fire hazards. The SFD urges all residents to review their home fire safety practices, especially during the holiday season when increased cooking and decorations can heighten fire risks. They also recommend ensuring that everyone in the household knows two ways out of every room.

The investigation into the Christmas Eve house fire is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. For now, the Syracuse University community mourns the loss of a promising young student and grapples with the devastating consequences of this tragic event. The focus remains on supporting D’Andrea's family and providing resources for those affected by the fire.

Links referenced in the article:

• SU News: [ https://news.syracuse.edu/ ]
• GoFundMe Campaign (family provided link - not included as I cannot verify its accuracy or safety)
• City of Syracuse Website: [ https://www.cityofsyracuse.ny.us/ ]