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Rhode Island
Rhode Island man died after firework set off on his head, police say
Local News
A recent autopsy report following the Mother’s Day incident shows the man died of a “blast injury.”
A 39-year-old man was killed on May 12 when a mortar-style firework was placed on his head and set off, according to police in Westerly, Rhode Island.
A recent autopsy report of David Ziegenfuss lists the cause of death as a “blast injury” to the head and the manner of death as accidental, Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella told the Providence Journal. Those involved in the incident were drinking alcohol, he said.
“It appears they were messing around, and they placed a firework on top of his head,” the chief told the Journal.
An investigation into the circumstances of the death at the home at Pound Road continues, Gingerella said.
The mix of high-risk activity with alcohol use is dangerous, Gingerella said.
“The involvement of alcohol increases the dangers of illegal activities exponentially,” Gingerella told the Journal.
The mortar-type firework used is illegal in Rhode Island.
According to the 2023 US Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report, there were eight reported fireworks-related deaths the prior year, with the majority of deaths associated with mortar-style devices. Five of those deaths were due to fireworks misuse.
The agency is reporting 159 fireworks-related deaths between 2008 and 2023, for an average of 9.9 deaths per year.
Family members set up a GoFundMe page to help with end-of-life expenses.
The page says Ziegenfuss was airlifted from Westerly to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died.
His brother wrote that Ziegnefuss was an “adoring father to his son, a fun uncle, a listening ear and a caring shoulder. He was very loved by his family and friends.”
Gingerella said the state’s Attorney General’s office will determine any pending charges.
(WJAR) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha endorsed Democrat Helena Foulkes in her bid for Rhode Island Governor on Thursday.
Neronha spoke at a campaign event with Foulkes.
The term-limited Attorney General says he hadn’t been comfortable endorsing people because of his position.
Neronha said he had gotten to know Foulkes after she reached out to him about health care, an issue Neronha has been vocal about.
“I found Helena to be a great listener, a great thought partner, a person of integrity and character, and that is foremost why I’m endorsing her today,” he said.
“What Rhode Island needs today and into the future is strong capable leadership,” he said. “This is not a state that can afford to keep muddling around in the four, eight, ten, fifteen years.”
He said Foulkes could offer bold leadership.
Neronha has publicly admitted to having a strained relationship with Gov. Dan McKee.
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This story will be updated.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from March 4 drawing
07-14-42-47-56, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from March 4 drawing
Midday: 2-7-4-4
Evening: 7-6-0-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from March 4 drawing
08-11-12-18-24, Extra: 15
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 4 drawing
12-13-36-39-58, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
When it comes to expressing ourselves, Rhode Islanders have elevated license plates to an art form. You might not be able to get a new vanity plate — the state suspended applications in 2021 after a judge ruled a Tesla owner could keep his FKGAS plates — but you can still express your Rhody pride with one of seventeen state-approved charity plates. The program has funded ocean research, thrown parades, saved crumbling lighthouses and even provided meals for residents. About half of the $43.50 surcharge goes to the associated charity, while the other half covers the production cost.
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Atlantic Shark Institute
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 7,007
Total raised: $269,530
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse
Year first approved: 2009
Plates currently on road: 5,024
Total raised: $336,890
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island
Year first approved: 2013
Plates currently on road: 2,102
Funds raised: $32,080
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rocky Point Foundation
Year first approved: 2016
Plates currently on road: 1,616
Funds raised: $50,450
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Year first approved: 2002
Plates currently on road: 765
Funds raised since 2021: $11,060*
*Prior to 2021, customers ordered plates directly through the food bank, and total revenue numbers are not available.
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
Year first approved: 2009
Plates currently on road: 1,472
Funds raised: $136,740
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save the Bay
Year first approved: 2006
Plates currently on road: 1,132
Funds raised: $61,380 for each organization (proceeds split evenly)
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Boston Bruins Foundation
Year first approved: 2014
Plates currently on road: 1,125
Funds raised: $36,880
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association
Year first approved: 2023
Plates currently on road: 1,105
Funds raised: $37,610
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Year first approved: 2011
Plates currently on road: 1,104
Funds raised: $17,640
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Red Sox Foundation
Year first approved: 2011
Plates currently on road: 860
Funds raised: $88,620
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Year first approved: 2012
Plates currently on road: 1,510
Funds raised: $33,360
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Providence College Angel Fund
Year first approved: 2016
Plates currently on road: 693
Funds raised: $23,220
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 383
Funds raised: $10,640
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 257
Funds raised: $7,580
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in RI Inc.
Year first APPROVED: 2018
Plates currently on road: 132
Funds raised: $3,190
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