R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7.1-2: Action by executor or administrator — Persons benefited — Limitation of action.

Every action under this chapter shall be brought by and in the name of the executor or administrator of the deceased person, whether appointed or qualified within or without the state, and of the amount recovered in every action under this chapter one-half (½) shall go to the husband or widow, and one-half (½) shall go to the children of the deceased, and if there are no children the whole shall go to the husband or widow, and, if there is no husband or widow, to the next of kin, in the proportion provided by law in relation to the distribution of personal property left by persons dying intestate. Provided, that every action under this chapter shall be commenced within one year after the death of the person.