“She was amazing:” Lincoln community mourns student who died in Italy

LINCOLN, R.I. (WJAR) — A Roger Williams University student who grew up in Rhode Island has died while attending a study abroad program in Italy, according to the university.

Paige Moreau, 20, died last week after a medical emergency in Florence, the university said in a statement. Moreau was an architecture student and a member of the Class of 2026.

“Paige will be deeply missed. As we mourn this profound loss, we stand together sending messages of love and support to her friends and family,” Roger Williams University wrote.

Moreau was a graduate of Lincoln High School and a well-known member of the Lincoln community. In addition to her studies, she served as a resident assistant, orientation manager, and was part of the Substance Free Living Learning Community for students who chose to live without drugs or alcohol.

Beyond campus, Moreau spent three summers working at the MacColl YMCA in Lincoln as a tumbling coach, camp counselor, and camp coordinator.

“She was quite literally the sunshine on a cloudy day,” said Brie Smith, the assistant sports director at the MacColl YMCA, who supervised Moreau. “Her energy — it just radiated. She was amazing in everything she did.”

Smith said Moreau ran tumbling programs alongside her sister Reese and quickly became a favorite among children and parents.

“We loved Paige,” Smith said. “It’s really unfortunate that this happened, but the memories we have will last a lifetime.”

Smith said Moreau was a natural leader who set an example for others at the YMCA.

“She was a captain, a role model. She was that person to look up to,” Smith said. “Kids looked up to her, and parents commended her for that.”

Smith said the loss is being deeply felt in Lincoln and among the YMCA staff.

“This is a tremendous loss,” Smith said. “She was a huge part of our community. She was a huge part of us. We’re a family. We always will be through and through.”

Smith said she hopes the next generation of students and campers will carry on Moreau’s spirit.

“She brought smiles like no other,” Smith said. “We hope every kid who comes through here learns to find the bright side, just like she did.”

Smith described Moreau’s personality as both nurturing and uplifting.

“Not only was she that sunshine on a cloudy day, but her nurturing self, it really stood out,” Smith said. “When I tell you parents loved her, kids loved her, we loved her. I cannot stress that enough.”

Smith said Moreau’s impact is clear even now, with an outpouring of support across social media from the cheerleading and YMCA communities.

“She made such an impact,” Smith said. “Everyone knew her. Everyone loved her.”

Roger Williams University said grief counselors are available on campus for students and staff.