On what should have been a celebratory evening for a high school hockey team, a family tragedy unfolded in the stands of a Pawtucket, Rhode Island, ice rink on February 16, 2026. Aidan R. Dorgan, a 23-year-old Caucasian male, was shot and killed while watching his younger brother's senior night game. The incident, which has been described by authorities as a targeted act of domestic violence, also claimed the life of his mother and left three other family members in critical condition.
The shooting took place at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, creating a scene of panic and chaos as players and spectators scrambled for safety. The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, Aidan's parent, who also went by the names Roberta Dorgano and Roberta Esposito. Witnesses reported that the shooter opened fire on family members during the game. Aidan's mother, Rhonda Dorgan, was killed at the scene, while Aidan was rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. The three other victims, identified as Rhonda Dorgan's parents and a family friend, were also shot and sustained critical injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, bystanders intervened in an attempt to subdue the shooter. One man managed to jam the perpetrator's handgun, and others helped to hold the shooter down. Despite their efforts, Robert Dorgan was able to use a second firearm to die by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
The investigation into the tragic event pointed towards a history of family disputes. Court records indicated that Rhonda Dorgan had filed for divorce in 2020, citing "irreconcilable differences." Family members described the shooter as having long-standing mental health struggles. The incident left the local community and the families involved in a state of shock and mourning. Aidan Dorgan was remembered as a bright and loving individual who worked as an engineer and had a passion for hockey, having been a captain of his high school team.
