Victims of nightclub fire mourned at service

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — The survivors of a nightclub fire and relatives of the those who died in the 2003 blaze gathered Sunday to recite the names of the dead and honor them with 100 seconds of silence, one second for each victim.

Ken Fletcher, whose stepdaughter, Tracy Romanoff, died in the fire nearly six years ago, said the tragedy was “something you’re never going to forget.”

Some mourners noted that the number of people coming to pay their respects has shrunk as years go by. Lawsuits resulting from the fire also have delayed work on a memorial at the lot where the club once stood.

“They don’t show up for any of these ceremonies,” said Jane Sylvester, whose son Jason died in the fire.

The Station nightclub in West Warwick caught fire Feb. 20, 2003, when pyrotechnics used by the rock band Great White ignited packaging foam used as soundproofing on the building’s walls and ceiling. More than 200 people were injured. Great White guitarist Ty Longley, formerly of Brookfield, died in the fire.

The annual service comes as survivors and victims’ relatives await their shares of a $176 million settlement reached with dozens of people and companies.