PAWTUCKET – Search teams have found and recovered bodies from an occupied vehicle after it ended up in the Seekonk River Sunday evening.
According to police officials, three family members were inside the vehicle. Witnesses saw and heard the car go in the water and some attempted to save the victims while others called 911.
According to police, the three found dead were a 45-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman, and a 2-year-old girl.
According to officials, this appears to have been a tragic accident and no foul play is suspected.
“My heart is with the family of those lost as they navigate this unimaginable loss. My team and I have been in close contact with the family today and will continue working alongside them to identify any additional support the city can provide in the days ahead,” said Mayor Donald Grebien.
“I also want to thank the FSRI GO Team, which works alongside the Pawtucket Police Department, for providing immediate trauma-informed care, language assistance, and compassionate support to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” he added.
The mayor said many have asked how they can help.
“A GoFundMe has been established to assist the family with transportation and funeral expenses. If you are able, please consider making a donation. Please continue to keep the family, our first responders, and everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers. The Pawtucket Police Department’s latest update is below.”
According to a news release from the Major Crime Unit, the vehicle appeared to be in proper working order.
“This has been an incredibly difficult incident for everyone involved,” said Public Safety Director and Police Chief Tina Goncalves. “From the moment we received the call, our officers worked alongside the Pawtucket Fire Department, Rhode Island State Police, and our local and regional partners in a coordinated, search, rescue, and recovery effort. I am deeply grateful to every first responder who gave their time, expertise, and compassion throughout this operation. Our thoughts remain with the family as they navigate this devastating loss, and we ask the community to continue to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.”
According to the initiator of the online fundraiser, the husband and father of those who died shared that he has been facing serious health challenges and has been undergoing dialysis and is now facing far greater challenges.
“Donations will help this family with expenses they may need from funeral costs to any other immediate costs they may face in the difficult days ahead,” he posted. “Any donation, no matter the amount, can help ease some of the financial burden while this family grieves. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping them in your prayers.”
Original story below
Police continue to search for a vehicle with people in it that went into the Seekonk River late Sunday night.
On June 28, at around 7:30 p.m., Pawtucket officers were dispatched to the Taft Street boat ramp following reports of an occupied vehicle entering the water. Upon entering the water, the vehicle quickly became submerged.
Members of the Pawtucket Fire Department, surrounding public safety agencies, and the Rhode Island Stated Police Dive Team responded to the scene. A coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated immediately.
At approximately 1 a.m., search efforts were suspended due to challenging water conditions and poor visibility, said police in a release. The investigation remains active and ongoing as the search resumes on Monday.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Mayor Donald Grebien issued the following statement Monday morning:
“The city of Pawtucket is deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident unfolding near the Taft Street boat ramp,” he said. “Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Added Grebien, “We continue to hold hope as search efforts remain underway, and we are profoundly grateful to our first responders and partner agencies for their tireless dedication, professionalism, and compassion. We ask the community to keep everyone impacted in their thoughts and to respect the privacy of the families as this situation continues to unfold.”
A fundraiser has been formed to support the family of the victims.
