Rhode Island Hockey Game Shooting Leaves Family Dead and Injured
A routine high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, descended into chaos and horror on Monday when a man entered the arena and opened fire on his own family members. The shooting, which occurred during what should have been a peaceful community event, resulted in multiple fatalities and critical injuries, sending shockwaves through the local area.
Deadly Attack at School Hockey Arena
According to police reports, Robert Dorgan walked into the hockey game and targeted his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan Dorgan. Both victims were shot and killed at the scene. The violence did not stop there, as Rhonda's parents, Gerald Dorgan and Linda Dorgan, were also shot during the attack. Both grandparents sustained severe injuries and were left in critical condition, requiring immediate medical attention.
Authorities confirmed that after carrying out the shooting, Robert Dorgan turned the gun on himself, ending his own life. The entire incident unfolded in mere moments, transforming a family gathering into a nightmare scenario. Witnesses inside the ice rink described scenes of panic as people scrambled for safety, fleeing the arena in terror.
Shocking Family Connection Revealed
As investigators began piecing together the events, a startling detail emerged about the relationship between the shooter and his ex-wife. Reporting by the Providence Journal uncovered through public records and census data that Robert Dorgan and Rhonda Dorgan were blood relatives. The couple, who married in 1992, were actually first cousins once removed.
This familial connection explains why Robert Dorgan shared the same last name as his ex-wife's parents. The Providence Journal's investigation traced the Dorgan family tree back to the 1950 Census, which showed Edward Dorgan and his wife Eva Dorgan living in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The couple had two sons: Raymond Dorgan and Robert J. Dorgan.
Robert J. Dorgan later became the father of Robert Dorgan, the shooter in this tragic case. Meanwhile, Raymond Dorgan fathered Gerald Dorgan, who with his wife Linda Dorgan had a daughter named Rhonda Dorgan. This means Robert Dorgan and Rhonda Dorgan shared great-grandparents, making them first cousins once removed in family terms.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Police have stated the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack, with the victims sitting together at the ice rink when Robert Dorgan approached them. While authorities have not released specific details about the motive, court records show that Robert Dorgan and Rhonda Dorgan divorced in 2021, suggesting possible underlying tensions.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement officials continue to review evidence and interview witnesses. Medical personnel are working tirelessly to treat Gerald Dorgan and Linda Dorgan, both of whom remain in critical condition following the shooting.
The Pawtucket community has been left reeling from the violence that disrupted what should have been an ordinary night at a school sporting event. The tragedy has raised difficult questions about family dynamics, domestic violence, and how such horrific incidents can occur in community spaces. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope to provide more clarity about the circumstances that led to this devastating family tragedy.
