R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-34: Member leaving no survivors — Reversion.

(a) In the case of any member who dies while in service leaving no dependents or survivors as defined in §§ 16-16-1, 16-16-11, and 16-16-25 through 16-16-38, his or her accumulated contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund plus interest shall be payable to the person or persons that he or she may designate to the retirement board or in the absence of a designation to his or her estate.

(b) Contributions made by a member who at the date of retirement did not exercise the election provided in § 16-16-32 and who dies without leaving survivors as defined in this chapter shall become part of the reserve of the fund.