Man who Fell Through Floor at Portsmouth Construction Site Dies

PORTSMOUTH, RI—The 75-year-old man who fell through the floor at a house under construction in Portsmouth last week has died.

William Kirkpatrick died Wednesday at Rhode Island Hospital, a hospital spokesperson confirmed.

Kirkpatrick was the board president of the Prescott Point Homeowners Association. He fell through the floor at a house on Rebel Way, which is a road within the 106-acre residential community of town homes and condos.

Firefighters responded to the house on June 19 after a 911 call. Kirkpatrick was transported to Newport Hospital and then Rhode Island Hospital with critical injuries.

O'Brien said that the decision to send him to the nearest hospital instead of the trauma center at Rhode Island Hospital was based on the severity of the injuries. Crews waited at Newport Hospital "in anticipation that the patient would need emergency transport to Rhode Island Hospital."

Newport Hospital workers stabilized the victim who was then transported to Rhode Island Hospital. The Portsmouth EMTs stood by for about 20 minutes as he was being treated in Newport. And, once they left, a nurse from the emergency department joined Portsmouth EMTs for the ride to Providence.

Kirkpatrick's death has sent a shockwave of grief through the community. The Prescott Point community recently voted for a new board and Kirkpatrick was regarded as bringing progress.