GoFundMe Page Established In Memory of Middletown Man
GoLocalProv News Team
GoFundMe Page Established In Memory of Middletown Man
Gruchy was diving with a friend when, according to the GoFundMe page, his equipment malfunctioned. As a result of that, his body floated to the surface of the water and was then discovered.
GoFundMe Details
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe GoFundMe account has nearly raised $1,000 dollars from 25 donors and has set a goal of $10,000. The page, which was created by Jamie Anderson, is open to any and all support towards funeral expenses and arrangements for Gruchy.
Ongoing Investigation
GoLocal reached out to the Newport Police Department for a statement regarding the incident, but did not receive further details as the investigation is still ongoing.
The official cause of death is expected to come out some time today when an autopsy is finalized.
Providence Rec Center Controversies
Davey Lopes Pool Closed
Taveras Admin’s Decision to Close Pool Called Political and Racist (July 2, 2013)
Former Providenc Mayor Angel Taveras opts not to reopen the Davey Lopes rec center pool for the summer of 2013. Councilman Luis Aponte speculated that it was political retribution against Councilman Davian Sanchez's not voting for the Taveras budget.
Public Outcry to Politics
Providence Youth Outraged at Lack of Pools in Heat Wave (July 9, 2013)
When temperatures began running high in the summer of 2013, many voiced outrage against the closing of the Davey Lopes pool.
Councilman Terrence Hassett stated, "How can you isolate kids like this, and not let them swim...These are young impressionable kids, who making friends at the pools, spending time with their families. What's better than that?"
Effort Grows to Reopen
Providence GOP Leaders Demand Mayor Keep Davey Lopes Pool Open (Oct 25, 2013)
Mayor Taveras continued to receive push back to open the Davey Lopes pool, including from members of the Republican party in Providence, who joined the re-opening effort. Providence GOP leaders condemned the Mayor's closing of the pool, calling it a "clear case of right vs. wrong."
Davey Lopes Reopens
Davey Lopes Pool Supporters Declare Victory with Reopening (July 1, 2014)
Nearly a year after public outcry demanded that the Davey Lopes pool be reopened, community members gathered for a celebratory ribbon cutting to signify the reopening of the South Providence recreation center pool.
Elorza Appoints Director
Elorza Appoints Michael Stephens Providence Director of Recreation (April 21, 2015)
Mayor Elorza appoints Michael Stephens, an NCAA basketball referee, as Director of Recreation Services. Stephens, the former Deputy Director of Recreation, refereed the NCAA championship game, and is considered a top NCAA referee -- who travels the country extensively during the season.
Director Reffed 86 in '14
Providence’s New Rec Director Won’t Give Up Outside $180K Refereeing Job (May 15, 2015)
New recreation director Stephens refereed 86 NCAA basketball games in 2014, at locations spread across the country that took him out of state for the majority of weeks during the season. Stephens said he intends to ref during the next season, despite having a full-time job with the city.
Centers Hurting, Pawsox
Providence Rec Centers Languish While City Considers Stadium (June 15, 2015)
The Providence recreation centers stand in need of repairs, while city officials face consideration of giving major tax breaks to relocate the PawSox to Providence.
Rec Center Coach Suicide
Coach charged with second-degree sexual assault commits suicide (June 15, 2015)
Tyrone Dale, who coached at West End Recreation Center, committed suicide three days after being accused of sexual assault against a teenage boy at the West End Rec Center. Dale had previously plead guilty in 1992 to an assault charge.
