Family Of Missing East Providence Man Found Dead To File Suit

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The family of an East Providence man who was reported missing over a month ago and found dead along the waterline Tuesday morning is looking to file a wrongful death suit, reported ABC6.

Dennis "Mousey" Lonardo Sr., 61, was reported missing on March 5 after he slipped and fell into the water near the East Providence Yacht Club. Lonardo's body was found by a woman walking near the East Bay Bike Path.

A lawyer representing Lonardo's family told ABC6 that they want to know why a healthy man who knew how to swim fell off a dock and died and questioned whether the dock was in poor condition or a medical emergency had occurred.

“The EPYC sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dennis ‘Mousey’ Lonardo Sr," said the East Providence Yacht club in a statement to ABC6. "He was a friend of everyone at the marina and enjoyed being down on his boat with all the other patrons of the marina. The docks have been inspected by a marine safety firm and were found to be in excellent condition.”