Coach Commits Suicide after Sex Allegations

The Providence Police Department confirmed that a longtime youth basketball coach committed suicide on Monday after he was arrested Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

Tyrone Dale, 45, was suspended without pay after the allegations surfaced.

He coached at the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex the West End Recreational Center, according to police, and the alleged incident happened on May 3.

On Monday afternoon, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza released a statement that said counselors would be available at both the West End Recreation Center and the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex.

“The City will continue taking all actions necessary to conduct this investigation and bring justice in this matter, and ensure safety for our children,” the mayor said.

Maj. David Lapatin of Providence Police said Dale hanged himself in Pawtucket and was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital.

Dale was released on $20,000 surety bail after his arraignment on Friday.

Dale was widely known throughout the Providence area as a popular coach for both basketball and football teams.

The Providence Journal reported that Dale denied committing the crime and said that it was a setup. But the victim told police that Dale pulled down his shorts and touched him.

The Journal also reported that Dale was indicted in 1992 for a along with three other people for molesting boys at St. Aloysius Home, a home for troubled boys in Smithfield. He pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of simple assault and served a year of probation.