A youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned into a scene of tragedy on the afternoon of February 16, 2026, when gunfire erupted inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Families had gathered to cheer on local high school players, but the event was suddenly interrupted by violence that left the community in shock. Investigators interviewed nearly 100 witnesses as they worked to understand what had unfolded in the crowded stands. Authorities later confirmed that the incident stemmed from a deeply personal family conflict, not a random act of violence.
Police identified the suspected gunman as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. Officials said Dorgan opened fire before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims were identified as Dorgan’s former spouse, Rhonda Dorgan, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, who later passed away at the hospital. Several others were critically injured, including Rhonda’s parents and a longtime family friend. The loss of life and the injuries sustained have left multiple generations of one family facing unimaginable grief.
As more details emerged, court records revealed that the couple’s nearly 30-year marriage had ended in divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. While documents referenced personal and marital strain, officials have not shared extensive background information beyond confirming a history of tension. A daughter from another relationship, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, spoke publicly to clarify that the attack was specifically directed at family members. She explained that she and her young children were present in the stands and credited a bystander with intervening, likely preventing further harm. Her message emphasized that this was a targeted dispute and not a broader threat to the public.
In the days following the tragedy, attention has turned to the younger members of the family who now face an uncertain future. Aidan’s teenage siblings, including a 17-year-old who was playing in the game at the time, are coping with the sudden loss of both parents and their brother. A fundraiser organized by relatives has raised significant community support to help cover living and education expenses. Local residents, friends, and members of the hockey community have rallied together, offering donations and messages of encouragement. What began as a devastating afternoon at a neighborhood rink has become a story of collective mourning, resilience, and a community determined to support those left behind.