PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A tragic incident unfolded at a local hockey rink Monday afternoon when a 56-year-old man opened fire, resulting in the deaths of his ex-wife and adult son. According to authorities, Robert Dorgan later turned the gun on himself. In addition to the two fatalities, three others were injured during the chaos at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where a scheduled high school game was taking place.
The deceased victims were identified as Rhonda Dorgan and her son, Aiden Dorgan. Rhonda was pronounced dead at the scene, while Aiden succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. The injured include Linda and Gerald Dorgan, Rhonda’s parents, who remain in critical condition, and family friend Thomas Geruso, also hospitalized with severe injuries.
The shooting occurred during “Senior Night,” a celebratory event honoring senior hockey players, including Aiden, a student at North Providence High School. Thankfully, no players or students were harmed during the incident, which occurred just before 3 p.m.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves reported that the incident was domestic in nature, citing the familial relationship between the shooter and the victims. A group of bystanders managed to subdue Dorgan, but he was able to inflict a fatal wound on himself while reaching for a second gun. Authorities recovered multiple firearms from the scene.
While the motive for this devastating act remains unclear, ongoing investigations revealed troubling elements in Dorgan’s history. Court documents indicate that Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in 2020 shortly after Dorgan reported receiving threats from his father-in-law, although those charges were ultimately dropped. The last reported police call to the Dorgan residence occurred the same year, raising questions about prior incidents of familial discord.
A woman identified as Dorgan’s daughter enigmatically confirmed her father’s role in the shooting, stating that mental health issues had long plagued him. This personal revelation casts a shadow over the tragic events and underscores the complexities surrounding mental health crises.
In the wake of the shooting, several organizations expressed their condolences. Robert Dorgan’s employer, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, released a statement extending sympathy to the victims and their families. Similarly, Mass General Brigham noted with sorrow the loss of Rhonda Dorgan, a respected member of their pathology laboratory team, emphasizing the profound impact her death has on colleagues and the community.
This incident is the latest in a series of tragic shootings in the area, occurring only two months after another deadly event on the Brown University campus. As this community grapples with the aftermath, officials continue to stress the importance of support for those affected by such tragedies and the urgent need for dialogue about mental health and gun violence.