Victims of Rhode Island Gunman Identified — Details

Gunfire erupted during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, leaving multiple victims and a stunned community. Authorities have now identified those killed and say the attack was a targeted family dispute.

The crowd came to watch a high school hockey game. Instead, they witnessed something no one in the stands will ever forget.

At first, authorities characterized the shooting as a family dispute. But behind that understated description was a decades-long marriage marked by strain, fractured relationships, and a confrontation that erupted in front of children, parents, and dozens of witnesses.

What Happened at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket

On Monday afternoon, February 16, 2026, shots rang out during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, just miles outside Providence. Investigators interviewed nearly 100 witnesses as they worked to piece together what happened inside the packed stands.

Police initially described the violence as a "family dispute," a phrase that barely hinted at the heartbreak underneath.

Authorities confirmed the suspected gunman, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, opened fire before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a report from CNN.

Three people were critically injured, including two elderly family members and a close family friend. But it would take several days for the most painful details to emerge.

The Victims Identified

Then came the confirmation that turned an already shocking story into a devastating one. Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves announced the identities of the deceased on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The Chief of Police said that the two people killed were the shooter's ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, according to CNN.

Aidan later died at the hospital after being rushed from the arena. Rhonda was pronounced dead at the rink.

Also injured were Rhonda's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, as well as family friend Thomas Geruso. All remained in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Marriage That Unraveled

As authorities confirmed who had been killed, court records began painting a complicated picture of a long marriage that had fractured in recent years.

According to The Associated Press, gender identity was apparently a contributing factor in the couple's 2020 divorce filing after nearly 30 years of marriage.

In court documents, the deceased ex-wife initially cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" before crossing it out and replacing it with "irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage."

The outlet also reported that under the name Roberta Dorgano, Robert previously posted on X about marital tensions, once writing that their spouse "hates the person who stole her husband."

In another post, Robert wrote, "Transwoman, 6 kids: wife – not thrilled," and urged others not to let being transgender prevent them from building a family. Officials have not provided further details about the family's history beyond confirming long-standing tensions.

While court records outlined years of tension, a surviving family member offered a deeply personal perspective on what unfolded inside the arena.

A Daughter Speaks Out

Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Robert's daughter from another relationship, spoke to WPRI 12 News in a phone interview, saying:

"I just want to make sure people understand this was one person's vendetta against their family. We were targeted. This was very specific. It wasn't random."

Amanda revealed she was sitting in the stands with her two young sons when the gunfire erupted. She said a good Samaritan tackled Robert, likely saving her life and her children's.

"I think my biggest concern was for my two small sons, who witnessed what occurred between our family members," she said. "Until that good Samaritan incapacitated him, I really feared that my sons were next. I can't thank him enough. I'm certain my sons and I are alive because of him."

Beyond the immediate trauma inside the rink, the tragedy has reshaped the lives of the youngest members of the family.

The Children Left Behind

Among the most heartbreaking details: another son, 17-year-old Colin Dorgan, was playing in the game when the shooting unfolded.

He and his sister Ava Dorgan, are now facing life without both parents and their older brother. Amanda has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support them.

She began by writing, "Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena, where we lost our beloved brother Aidan and their mother Rhonda, who was also my stepmother. In addition to this unimaginable loss, their grandparents are currently in critical condition, fighting for their lives."

Facing an Uncertain Future

"Ava, who is working hard as a nursing student, and Colin, a 17-year-old senior in high school, are now facing the future without their parents and older brother," she added.

"The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear, especially at such young ages. Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build a life that honors the memory of our loved ones," she continued.

"However, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty and financial challenges. With both parents gone, Ava and Colin will need help covering basic living expenses and the costs of continuing their education."

The Community Steps Up

"Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease their burden and provide some stability as they navigate this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and especially the hockey community," she said.

She ended by saying, "Your kindness and generosity have given us strength and hope when we need it most. If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help Ava and Colin as they rebuild their lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with our family."

As of the report, the fundraiser has raised $190,359 toward its $300,000 goal.

What began as a terrifying scene in a crowded rink has become something even more tragic: a family torn apart, children left grieving, and a community trying to understand how private pain exploded so publicly.

And at the center of it all is the revelation Amanda insists people remember: this was targeted and deeply personal.