2026 -- H 8238

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LC005991

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF HUDSON O'LOUGHLIN

AND ELISABETH O'LOUGHLIN

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Stewart,
McGaw, Kennedy, Ajello, Fellela, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: March 05, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that the members of the House of Representatives

pause to honor the lives and memories of Hudson O’Loughlin and Elisabeth O’Loughlin, whose

passing has brought immeasurable grief to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved

them; and

     WHEREAS, Hudson O’Loughlin, just six years old, tragically lost his life on January 17,

2026, in San Diego, California, while enjoying an afternoon bicycle ride with his family—an

activity that every child should be able to experience safely and freely; and

     WHEREAS, Hudson’s life, though far too brief, was filled with extraordinary depth,

curiosity, and joy. He possessed a boundless love of the outdoors and a wide-eyed wonder for the

world around him. He noticed the small details of life—the earth beneath his feet, the beauty in

simple moments—and reminded those around him to slow down, to appreciate, and to live with

kindness and intention; and

     WHEREAS, Though his family made their home in California, they maintained deep

roots in Rhode Island, and Hudson’s memory resonates strongly within this state. His tragic and

preventable death underscores the urgent and ongoing responsibility we share to ensure safer

streets, stronger protections for children and families, and communities where every person may

move about safely and with dignity; and

     WHEREAS, In the midst of their grief, Hudson’s family has spoken of his immeasurable

impact, noting that his lessons of curiosity, compassion, and appreciation for life endure in the

hearts of all who knew him; and

     WHEREAS, In a heartbreaking turn of events, the O’Loughlin family endured a second

profound loss just ten days later with the passing of Elisabeth O’Loughlin on January 27, 2026, at

the age of eighty-four; and

     WHEREAS, Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, Elisabeth O’Loughlin crossed an ocean and

ultimately made Rhode Island her home for nearly fifty years, embracing the Ocean State and

building a life rooted in family, resilience, and devotion; and

     WHEREAS, A woman of independence and determination, Elisabeth was an avid rider of

the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, maintaining her autonomy as she traveled across the

state to visit her cherished grandchildren, attend to daily errands, and remain actively engaged in

the life of her community; and

     WHEREAS, Above all else, Elisabeth found her greatest joy in her family. She

celebrated every milestone of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nurturing a

legacy defined by generosity, compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering love. Those who knew

her remember her gentle spirit, her comforting presence, and her remarkable ability to make each

person feel valued and deeply loved; and

     WHEREAS, The lives of Hudson and Elisabeth, though separated by generations, were

united by the bonds of family and by the values they embodied—curiosity, resilience,

independence, and enduring love; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences to the O’Loughlin family on the passing of Hudson O’Loughlin

and Elisabeth O’Loughlin; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That in honoring their memories, this House recommits itself to building

safer streets for our children, accessible and reliable public transportation for our seniors, and

stronger, more compassionate communities for all Rhode Islanders; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Nicole O’Loughlin and Family.

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