a day ago
‘This loss is unimaginable': R.I. teen killed in partial building collapse remembered as ‘bright and beloved'
The incident, police said,
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One of those who was trapped is a 17-year-old girl who was injured, officials said. The other was 15-year-old Kelly Nevitt, who was killed, said Nikki Vazquez, an organizer of
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Kellly Nevitt, 15, a high school freshman, had a passion for musical theater and a magnetic presence, according to her obituary.
GoFundMe
In the days since, the loss has left Portsmouth, a town of more than 17,000 on Aquidneck Island, north of Newport, R.I., searching for answers about what happened and grappling with the death of a local high school freshman remembered as 'a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and a kind soul who brought light and laughter wherever she went.'
'Her smile and contagious laughter could brighten anyone's day, and her spirit was full of hope, warmth, and compassion,' the online fundraiser post states. 'Whether Kelly was expressing her passion for the arts in Colorguard or shining on stage, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and her absence has left an unimaginable void in our hearts.'
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The fund, established to cover 'funeral and memorial expenses,' had raised more than $119,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
'We created this page to ensure that Kelly's family can take the time to grieve their unimaginable loss without the added financial worries,' the fundraiser states.
In an email, Vazquez wrote Thursday that she and another mom have daughters who were both dear friends of Nevitt.
'We all loved her and her Mom, so we are rallying the community in support and to show her Mom how Kelly touched everyone in the community,' Vazquez wrote. 'This loss is unimaginable.'
Born on Sept. 18, 2009, in Newport, Nevitt was, 'in every way, extraordinary,' according to her
'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,' ' the obituary states. 'Whether she was singing, dancing, or laughing with friends, Kelly's presence was magnetic.'
A photo placed at the memorial outside the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth, R.I.
Christopher Gavin/Globe Staff
Nevitt was also 'known for her quick wit, big heart, and boundless compassion,' the obituary states.
Nevitt had an 'inseparable' bond with her mother, Sharon Nevitt, a relationship described in the obituary as 'friendship built on unconditional love, laughter, shared secrets, and endless support.'
'To Sharon, Kelly was not only her daughter but her greatest joy, her light, and her heart,' the obituary reads.
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A celebration of life will be held on Monday afternoon for family and friends.
Officials have launched
As of Thursday, there were no updates in either investigation, according to Deputy Chief of Police Michael J. Morse.
On Wednesday, Town Planner Lea Hitchen provided the Globe documents dating back through 1970 related to the club building at 35 Power St. Included were 'all building and electrical applications on file' and a log 'of dated entries and events building inspectors performed inspections' between 1997 and 2016, Hitchen wrote in an email.
None appeared to make specific mention of the exterior landing now under review.
There 'are no building code violations' at the property, which was built in 1946, Hitchen wrote.
'In the coming days I may have additional information to share,' Hitchen wrote. 'I will provide any and all information as it becomes available.'
The exterior of the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth, R.I. on Thursday. The building's fallen landing and outdoor staircase have been removed.
Christopher Gavin/Globe Staff
A landing atop an outdoor stairway collapsed June 7, 2025, at the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth, R.I.
David Curran for The Boston Globe
In their most recent public update on Monday, police said three people who were standing on the landing at the time of the collapse were left injured.
'A 19-year-old female resident of Little Compton was treated and released from the hospital, a 49-year-old female resident of Merrillville, Ind., remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and a 46-year-old male resident of Portsmouth suffered a minor injury and was not hospitalized,' police said in the
The 17-year-old who was trapped beneath the landing was in critical condition as of Tuesday, police said. Morse did not immediately respond on Thursday to a question asking about her condition and that of the 49-year-old injured woman.
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Police have not publicly identified any of the victims of the incident.
Authorities will not release the name of the 15-year-old Portsmouth teen killed 'out of respect for the family and due to the fact that the victim is a juvenile,' Morse wrote on Thursday.
At the memorial outside the club on Thursday, a woman placed a candle.
She bent down to read a note, and then she shook her head before standing up.
'I'd rather not,' she said, when approached by a reporter. 'I can't.'
Christopher Gavin can be reached at
