Rhode Island hockey league suspends all games after trans dad murders his ex-wife and adult son during local arena match in Pawtucket

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has temporarily suspended all hockey games following a devastating act of violence that shook the Pawtucket community.

On Monday, a shooting at the Lynch Arena left two family members dead and several others injured, forcing a statewide pause in school sports.

Family Targeted in Horror at the Rink

Authorities confirmed that 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, fatally shot his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, 52, and their 23-year-old son Aidan Dorgan.

The attack unfolded during a hockey game at Lynch Arena, just a few miles from Providence. Robert Dorgan ended the rampage by taking his own life.

Eyewitnesses reported chilling scenes, as Rhonda’s youngest son, 17-year-old Colin Dorgan, was on the ice at the time.

Video footage captured the terror as players and spectators scrambled to safety.

Aidan was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, while Rhonda died at the scene.

Adding to the tragedy, Aidan and Rhonda’s parents, the grandparents of Colin and Aidan, were also injured and remain in critical condition.

A GoFundMe page set up by Rhonda’s stepdaughter Amanda Wallace-Hubbard highlighted the ongoing struggle for their lives.

Community in Shock and Mourning

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s executive director, Michael Lunney, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific event,” Lunney said.

He confirmed that games are being postponed out of respect, and the league is coordinating with local schools, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Education to provide support to those affected.

Warning Signs and Online Activity

In the days leading up to the attack, Robert Dorgan reportedly posted alarming content online.

Videos showed a woman loading ammunition into a handgun, and threatening messages under the name “Roberta Dorgano” indicated a potential intent to “go berserk.”

A family member told WCVB that Dorgan had long struggled with mental health issues.

“He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” said the woman, who claimed to be his daughter.

Acts of Courage Amid Chaos

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves acknowledged that intervention by bystanders helped bring the incident to a swift end.

Their bravery prevented what could have been an even larger tragedy.

Siblings Left to Grieve and Persevere

Colin and his older sister Ava, a 20-year-old nursing student, now face unimaginable loss.

Wallace-Hubbard shared that despite their grief, the siblings are committed to continuing their education and honoring the memory of their mother and brother.

“The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear,” she wrote.

What’s Next?

Investigators continue to piece together the motive and circumstances behind the shooting.

Officials are reviewing Dorgan’s online activity, mental health history, and prior interactions with law enforcement.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has not announced a return date for hockey games, emphasizing that support for the victims’ families is the immediate priority.

Counseling services and community resources are being mobilized for those traumatized by the event, including students, players, and arena staff.

Police are urging anyone with further information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Summary

Monday’s tragic shooting at Lynch Arena has left a Rhode Island family devastated and a community in mourning.

The loss of Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan, along with injuries to grandparents, has prompted a temporary suspension of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s games.

Authorities continue to investigate Robert Dorgan’s motives and online activity, while his surviving children strive to navigate grief and continue their lives.

The event underscores the impact of domestic violence, mental health struggles, and the sudden devastation such incidents can bring to a community.