R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-26
Upon the death of a member while in service, prior to retirement, from any cause other than accidental death arising directly out of and in the course of employment, a payment is made of the contributions of the member without interest. In addition, if the death of the member occurred while in an employee status, or while on an official leave of absence for illness from his or her position, which was not extended at the date of death for a continuous period in excess of one year, a death benefit is paid which equals eight hundred dollars ($800) for each completed year of total service, subject to a minimum payment of four thousand dollars ($4,000) and a maximum payment of sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000). The payment of the accumulated contributions of the member and the death benefit shall be made to the person that the member has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the retirement board or, if the member has filed no nomination, or if the person so nominated has died, then to the estate of the deceased member.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-26