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Rhode Island man died after firework set off on his head, police say

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2 years ago

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Rhode Island man died after firework set off on his head, police say


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A recent autopsy report following the Mother’s Day incident shows the man died of a “blast injury.”

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 159 fireworks-related deaths between 2008 and 2023, for an average of 9.9 deaths per year. Mass. State Police

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. 

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“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. 

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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.” 

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Gingerella said the state’s Attorney General’s office will determine any pending charges.





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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Numbers Midday winning numbers for March 4, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

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March 5, 2026

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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.

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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.

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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.



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Rhode Island

Ranking Rhode Island’s Most Popular Charity License Plates – Rhode Island Monthly

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23 hours ago

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March 4, 2026

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Ranking Rhode Island’s Most Popular Charity License Plates – Rhode Island Monthly


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

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Plates currently on road: 7,007

Total raised: $269,530

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Plum Lighthouse

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse

Year first approved: 2009

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Plates currently on road: 5,024

Total raised: $336,890

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Wildlife

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island

Year first approved: 2013

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Plates currently on road: 2,102

Funds raised: $32,080

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Rocky Point 1

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Rocky Point Foundation

Year first approved: 2016

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Plates currently on road: 1,616

Funds raised: $50,450

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Food Bank

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Year first approved: 2002

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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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Patriots

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

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New England Patriots Charitable Foundation

Year first approved: 2009

Plates currently on road: 1,472

Funds raised: $136,740

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Conservation

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

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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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Bruins 1

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

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Funds raised: $36,880

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Beavertail

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

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Funds raised: $37,610

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Fourth Of July

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

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Funds raised: $17,640

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Red Sox

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Red Sox Foundation

Year first approved: 2011

Plates currently on road: 860

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Funds raised: $88,620

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Gloria Gemma

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

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Funds raised: $33,360

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Pc Friars

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Providence College Angel Fund

Year first approved: 2016

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Plates currently on road: 693

Funds raised: $23,220

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Rose Island

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust

Year first approved: 2022

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Plates currently on road: 383

Funds raised: $10,640

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Ponham Lighthouse

License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

Year first approved: 2022

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Plates currently on road: 257

Funds raised: $7,580

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Portugal

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

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Plates currently on road: 132

Funds raised: $3,190





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Rhode Island

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

Published

1 day ago

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March 4, 2026

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Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse


PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha will release on Wednesday findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to the attorney general’s office, the report will detail the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse over decades.

While the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is home to the country’s largest Catholic population per capita, with nearly 40% of the state identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Neronha first launched the investigation in 2019, nearly a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 1,000 children had been abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state since the 1940s. The 2018 report is considered one of the broadest inquiries into child sexual abuse in U.S. history.

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Neronha’s investigation involved entering into an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to gain access to all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy dating back to 1950. Neronha’s office said in 2019 that the goal of the report was to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse, identify any prosecutable cases, and ensure that no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.

Rhode Island State Police also helped with the investigation.



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