The Troy, New York, community is mourning an unimaginable family tragedy after Dominick Rizzo Jr., his fiancée Alicia Ruefle, and their 11-year-old daughter Abigail Rizzo died following a devastating house fire on 13th Street.
The blaze broke out on Sunday night, September 27, 2026, prompting an urgent response from firefighters after reports that people were trapped inside the home.
Dominick, 37, Alicia, 39, and Abigail were all rescued from the burning residence, but each later died from injuries connected to the fire.
Their 13-year-old son, Dominick Rizzo III, survived after escaping through a second-floor window.
What Happened in the Troy House Fire?
The Troy Fire Department was called to the home on 13th Street at approximately 9:35 p.m. Sunday.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and reports of occupants trapped inside.
Emergency crews immediately entered the structure and worked quickly to remove the family.
Officials said all trapped occupants were brought out of the house within a little more than five minutes of firefighters arriving.
Despite those efforts, three members of the family ultimately died.
Dominick Rizzo Jr. Dies Following Fire
Authorities identified Dominick Rizzo Jr., 37, as one of the victims.
He was taken to Samaritan Hospital, where he died from injuries sustained in the fire.
Rizzo was a father and fiancé whose death, together with the losses of Alicia and Abigail, has left his surviving son and extended family facing an extraordinary tragedy.
Community members have since rallied around the family as news of the deaths spread throughout Troy and the Capital Region.
Alicia Ruefle Dies After Troy Fire
Dominick’s fiancée, Alicia Ruefle, 39, was also seriously injured in the blaze.
She was transported for emergency medical treatment but later died from her injuries.
Ruefle and Rizzo were raising their children together at the 13th Street residence.
Their deaths have left their surviving 13-year-old son without both parents.
Abigail Rizzo Dies at Age 11
The couple’s daughter, Abigail Rizzo, was initially rescued alive from the home.
She suffered critical injuries and was transported to Westchester Medical Center, where she was placed on life support.
Authorities and the Troy City School District later confirmed that Abigail died from her injuries.
She was only 11 years old.
Abigail was a sixth-grade student at Troy Middle School and had previously attended School 14.
The Troy City School District issued a statement expressing heartbreak over her death and made counselors and crisis-response staff available to students and employees affected by the tragedy.
13-Year-Old Son Escapes Through Window
The family’s 13-year-old son, Dominick Rizzo III, survived the fire.
Officials said he escaped by jumping from a second-floor window.
Neighbors assisted him after he got out of the burning home, and authorities said he did not suffer severe physical injuries.
He is now facing the loss of his parents and younger sister.
Community fundraising efforts have been launched to provide financial and emotional support for him and other surviving relatives.
Seven Dogs Also Killed in the Fire
The fire also claimed the lives of seven dogs inside the residence.
Officials said the family had been breeding huskies.
Three dogs managed to survive the blaze, while another was initially reported missing.
The loss of the animals added another devastating dimension to an already catastrophic night for the family.
Where Did the Troy Fire Start?
Troy Fire Chief Richard Cellucci said preliminary findings indicate that the fire likely originated on the first floor of the home.
Investigators were continuing to examine the property to determine exactly how the blaze started.
Authorities have not publicly announced a final cause.
Until the investigation is complete, claims about what triggered the fire should not be treated as established fact.
Officials Say Working Smoke Detectors May Have Been Absent
Fire officials also said preliminary evidence suggested the home may not have had functioning smoke detectors.
The investigation is still ongoing, so that finding remains preliminary.
Working smoke alarms can provide occupants with critical warning during residential fires, particularly at night when people may be asleep.
Officials may release additional details once the fire investigation is completed.
Two Firefighters Injured
Two Troy firefighters sustained minor burn injuries while responding to the blaze.
Both were later cleared to return to duty.
Fire departments from Watervliet and the Watervliet Arsenal also assisted Troy crews during the emergency response.
Despite the intensity of the fire, crews prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.
Troy Mayor Responds to Family Tragedy
Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello described the deaths as devastating for the city and expressed support for the family.
City leaders emphasized that Troy would stand with the surviving relatives as they faced the loss.
The tragedy quickly drew condolences and support from residents, schools, emergency responders, and organizations throughout the region.
Troy City School District Mourns Abigail Rizzo
The Troy City School District issued a separate tribute after confirming Abigail’s death.
The district described her loss as heartbreaking and extended condolences to her family, friends, classmates, teachers, and others who knew her.
Crisis counselors and support staff were made available to help students and employees process the tragedy.
The district also encouraged families to speak openly with children experiencing grief, sadness, fear, or confusion following the deaths.
Community Fundraiser Supports Surviving Son
A fundraising campaign was established to help the Rizzo family following the fire.
The campaign initially focused on medical expenses and support for the children, but its purpose changed as the full extent of the tragedy became known.
Funds are expected to help the surviving son and extended family with expenses resulting from the fire and deaths.
Community members throughout Troy and the wider Capital Region have contributed and shared messages of support.
Dominick Rizzo Jr. Cause of Death
Dominick Rizzo Jr. died from injuries suffered in the house fire.
Authorities have not publicly released detailed medical findings specifying the exact nature of those injuries.
The most accurate description is that his death resulted from injuries sustained during the September 27 residential fire.
The same applies to Alicia Ruefle and Abigail Rizzo unless additional medical information is released.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Verified funeral arrangements for Dominick Rizzo Jr., Alicia Ruefle, and Abigail Rizzo had not yet been publicly announced in the reliable sources reviewed.
Family members may release information about visitation, funeral services, memorial gatherings, or burial arrangements after plans are finalized.
Anyone wishing to attend or send condolences should rely on information from the family or an authorized funeral home.
Remembering Dominick, Alicia and Abigail
The Troy fire has left one family facing an overwhelming loss and a community searching for ways to support those who remain.
Dominick Rizzo Jr., Alicia Ruefle, and Abigail Rizzo are being remembered not simply as victims of a devastating fire but as a father, mother, fiancée, daughter, loved ones, and members of the Troy community.
For 13-year-old Dominick Rizzo III, the tragedy has changed his life in a matter of hours.
As investigators continue working to determine how the fire started, the focus across Troy has shifted toward grief, remembrance, and supporting the surviving child and extended family.