A youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned tragic on Monday, February 16, 2026, as a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena left three people dead, including the shooter and three others hospitalized in critical condition. The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the victims of the shooting were Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan Dorgan. Three additional individuals – Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend – were injured during the attack and remain in critical condition as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The shooting occurred during a scheduled youth hockey game, sending players and spectators scrambling for cover. Videos circulating on social media, livestreamed by the platform LiveBarn, captured the chaos as popping sounds were heard, prompting a frantic evacuation of the arena. Players on the ice immediately skated towards exits, while those on the benches dove for safety.
Authorities credited a “good Samaritan” with intervening and bringing the attack to a swift end. Chief Goncalves stated that the individual “attempted to subdue” the shooter, though details surrounding the intervention remain limited. Investigators have interviewed nearly 100 witnesses as they continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Court records indicate that the shooting may be linked to a history of family disputes surrounding Dorgan’s gender identity. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that tensions had been building within the family for some time, potentially contributing to the tragic outcome. Dorgan identified as transgender, and this aspect of their identity had reportedly been a source of conflict.
The incident has deeply shaken the local hockey community and beyond. High school hockey players and parents were seen speaking with police officers near the arena in the aftermath of the shooting, visibly distressed by the events. The Dennis M. Lynch Arena remained taped off on Tuesday as police continued their investigation.
Survivors of the shooting are currently “fighting for their lives,” according to a family contact who spoke to Fox News. The loss of Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan has left behind two other siblings – a high school hockey player and a sister studying to be a nurse – grappling with the unimaginable grief of losing both parents.
The shooting is being investigated as a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute. Chief Goncalves confirmed this assessment, stating that the shooting “appeared to be targeted.” The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but authorities believe it was directly related to the personal relationship between the shooter and the victims.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. Counseling services are being offered to those affected by the tragedy, and the community is coming together to provide assistance during this difficult time. The broader implications of this tragedy, and the potential for increased security measures at youth sporting events, are likely to be discussed in the coming days and weeks.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that justice is served.
