Irish dancer perishes in US blaze

A YOUNG Irish dancer, who dreamed of attending Trinity College in Dublin, was one of 16 victims of a fire that swept through Southern California last weekend.

Ashleigh Roach, 16, died as she, her brother, sister and a friend fled the firestorm that engulfed the family's home in San Diego.

The Irish-American community in the area has organised a benefit for the devastated family, while a memorial service was held yesterday for the teenager. Ashleigh's sister Alyson, 20, remains in a critical condition with burns over 85% of her body, while their brother, Jason, is also critically ill.