R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-4-1: Presumed death from absence of life tenant.

If any person shall be absent from this state for the term of seven (7) years without due proof of his or her being alive, for whose life any estate shall be holden by himself or herself or any other person, the person claiming the remainder or reversion of the estate expectant upon the death of the person so absent, may enter upon the estate and hold the estate according to his or her title, or until the absent person shall return to this state, or due proof shall be made of his or her being alive.