On the night of September 27, 2026, the Rizzo family experienced an unimaginable tragedy that changed their lives in an instant.

A devastating house fire claimed the life of Dominick Rizzo Jr., leaving behind his fiancé, Alicia, and their children, Abigail and Dominick Rizzo III.

Alicia and their young daughter Abigail suffered extensive burns and were transported to the Westchester Medical Center Burn Center, where they remain in critical condition. They are facing a long and difficult road ahead, including extensive medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and months of recovery. Westchester Medical Center provides specialized burn and critical-care services for patients with serious injuries. (New York State Health Profiles)

Their oldest son, Dominick Rizzo III, was able to escape the fire by jumping from a second-story window. While he survived, he has also endured an unimaginable loss and is now facing life without his father while his mother and sister fight for their lives.

In the middle of this unimaginable tragedy, this family now faces an uncertain road filled with medical care, rehabilitation, travel to and from Westchester, time away from work, basic living expenses, and the heartbreaking costs associated with saying goodbye to Dominick.

We are asking our family, friends, neighbors, and community to come together and help carry this family through the months ahead. Along with helping pay for the funeral service for Dominick.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference. Your generosity will help provide financial support for medical and recovery-related expenses, travel and lodging, meals, clothing and necessities, rehabilitation, funeral expenses, and the many unexpected costs that come with rebuilding their lives after this tragedy.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. The more people who see their story, the more support we can bring to Alicia, Abigail, and Dominick as they fight through the unimaginable days ahead. 

Please keep Alicia, Abigail, and Dominick in your thoughts and prayers. And please help us surround this family with the love, strength, and support they desperately need right now.

As their cousin, I have taken on the responsibility of organizing this fundraiser and ensuring the donations are handled responsibly. Funds will go toward outstanding medical expenses, funeral costs, and other immediate needs. I also want to ensure that Dominick is supported as he navigates life after this unimaginable loss. My intention is to establish a trust for his future, so that donations can help provide stability and support as he grows up. I am committed to handling these funds transparently and in the best interest of their family. 

Thank you for donating, sharing, praying, and standing beside the Ruefle-Rizzo family during the darkest time of their lives.