The Portsmouth School District is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old student who was killed Saturday evening when the front stairs of the Portuguese-American Citizens Club collapsed during a high school graduation party.
Police and fire officials confirmed that three others — two 17-year-old girls and a 49-year-old woman — were seriously injured and transported to Rhode Island Hospital. Their current conditions have not been released. The cause of the structural failure remains under investigation.
In a letter sent to families on Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kenworthy shared condolences and outlined the district’s immediate response and support services.
“This tragedy deeply impacts our entire district community,” Kenworthy wrote. “We are working closely with grief counselors and support staff to ensure that students and staff have the support they need during this difficult time.”
Grief counseling will be available at the Portsmouth High School library on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. for all students, including recently graduated seniors. Schools will reopen Monday, and counselors will be available at all Portsmouth schools throughout the week.
“We encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to any member of our district mental health staff or a school administrator,” Kenworthy wrote. “Should your child need additional mental health support, please contact Newport Mental Health at 401-846-1213.”
He added that, out of respect for the privacy of the families involved, no additional information would be released at this time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with these families during this difficult time,” Kenworthy concluded.
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