by Molly Oldread ’26 on February 26, 2026
News
What started out as a community gathering at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI,
during a high school hockey game on Monday, Feb. 16, ended in a tragic shooting. Authorities
have stated that the incident has left three dead, including the suspect, along with more people
critically injured.
The tragedy occurred just before 2:30 p.m. while players and families gathered to watch
what was intended to be a Senior Night between the Blackstone Valley Co-Op which includes
players from St. Raphael’s, Providence Country Day, and North Smithfield, against the Coventry
Johnston Co-Op team. Police have reported that the suspect entered the arena as a spectator
and family member of a player before open firing and eventually shooting themselves.
Witnesses at the scene reported that after shots rang out in the arena, players rushed
off the ice while fans dove for cover. One incredible member of the community attempted to
intervene and wrestle with the shooter, which law enforcement has stated helped bring the
tragedy to a quick end.
The suspect has been identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by
Roberta Esposito. The attack has appeared to stem from a family dispute, although a specific
motive remains unclear. All five victims of the shooting have been identified.
Two of the victims who were killed were Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their
adult son, Aidan Dorgan. In addition to these horrific deaths, three others, including Dorgan’s
former mother-in-law, father-in-law, and a family friend, are critically injured as a result of the
shooting. The surviving victims were transferred to Rhode Island Hospital and have been
reported to be in “serious but stable” condition.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebein has stated that the city is “mourning together,” while
emphasizing the importance of community as the city recovers. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have been assisting in the investigation, and authorities are
encouraging anyone with footage or information to come forward to help piece together the details of the attack.