Community rallies as teenager killed in Portsmouth building collapse is identified
The Portsmouth community is rallying as the identity of the teenager killed on June 7 during a graduation party at the Portuguese American Citizens Club has become public.
In an obituary posted by Memorial Funeral Home, Kelly Nevitt, 15, is described as "in every way, extraordinary."
"She had a voice that could stop you in your tracks and a gift for performing that lit up the stage. Musical theater was her passion, and she shone in her favorite roles – the sassy Rizzo in 'Grease' and the spirited Sister Mary Lazarus in 'Sister Act.' Whether she was singing, dancing, or laughing with friends, Kelly's presence was magnetic," the obituary noted.
An animal lover, Nevitt owned a dog and cat and "was known for her quick wit, big heart, and boundless compassion."
"She was the funniest, kindest, most loyal friend – the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome and important. She had a special way of lifting others up, always reminding people how much they meant to her," according to the obituary.
Nevitt is the daughter of Sharon Nevitt.
Nevitt was killed when the concrete landing connecting an exterior stairwell to the second-floor entrance of the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club building detached from the main structure, trapping two girls underneath. The incident happened during a graduation celebration attended by about 75 people.
Portsmouth police said on June 9 that the other girl trapped under the concrete, identified as a 17-year-old, was in critical condition. No update on her condition has since been released.
Additionally, a 19-year-old woman from Little Compton was recently released from the hospital after being treated for her injuries, and a 46-year-old man from Portsmouth was not injured enough to be hospitalized. A 49-year-old woman from Merrillville, Indiana, remained in the hospital, where she was being treated for serious injuries.
On June 11, a GoFundMe was started in memory of Kelly Nevitt.
In the write-up accompanying the fundraiser, it was noted that Nevitt was a freshman at Portsmouth High School and that "her smile and contagious laughter could brighten anyone's day, and her spirit was full of hope, warmth, and compassion."
As of the evening of June 11, the fund had received just shy of $5,000.
Additionally, Portsmouth coffee shop Grafik Coffee announced on June 10 that it had made "Portsmouth Strong" stickers that would be sold for $10 apiece, with the proceeds to be split evenly among the families of the deceased and the injured. A day after that announcement, the business said that due to high demand, it had ordered another 500 stickers beyond the initial order of 2,000.
St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth has also announced that a Night of Remembrance will be held on Friday, June 13, at 7 p.m., which, while open to all, will give preferential seating to students. It will also be live streamed at youtube.com/channel/UCXV1QfZiqUk2zC1-44UBgRQ
According to the obituary, "A Celebration of Kelly's life" will be held on Monday, June 16, at 2 p.m. at Green Valley Country Club, 371 Union St., Portsmouth, "where friends and loved ones are invited to gather and honor the incredible life of a girl who gave us so much in such a short time."
The obituary asks that "in honor of Kelly's compassion and creativity, donations may be made in her memory to The Newport Children's Theater, newportchildrenstheatre.org/support – continuing the love she so freely gave."
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Teenager killed in Portsmouth building collapse identified
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