Rhonda Dorgan and her teenage son Aidan were identified as the victims killed in the tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, February 16, 2026. The incident unfolded during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game, drawing dozens of spectators who witnessed the violence. Police confirmed that three other individuals were critically injured in the attack, which has been described as stemming from a family dispute.
Authorities said the suspect, 56-year-old Robert K. Dorgan, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire inside the arena. Investigators revealed that the shooting appeared to be targeted, with family tensions at the center of the motive. Court records indicate that Robert had a history of disputes with relatives, including conflicts tied to personal matters that had escalated in recent years.
The attack occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the arena located on Andrew D. Ferland Way in Pawtucket. The game involved local high school teams, and the shooting was partially captured on a livestream, further amplifying the shock and horror experienced by the community. Witnesses described scenes of panic as children and families rushed to safety, with some fleeing into nearby businesses to escape the chaos.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the shooting was a domestic violence incident, emphasizing that the suspect’s actions were linked to ongoing family conflict. The Rhode Island State Police and federal agents joined Pawtucket authorities in securing the scene and assisting victims. The three critically injured individuals were transported to area hospitals, where they remain under intensive care.
The Dennis M. Lynch Arena, a popular venue for community events and youth sports, became the site of one of Rhode Island’s most devastating acts of violence in recent memory. The incident has sparked conversations about safety at public gatherings and the need for stronger measures to prevent domestic disputes from escalating into public tragedies.
Family members and community leaders have expressed grief over the deaths of Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan, describing them as beloved figures whose lives were cut short in an unimaginable act of violence. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the full timeline of events and provide answers to a community left shaken by the tragedy.
