Pawtucket, Rhode Island — The recent shooting at a high school hockey game has left a family devastated and a community in shock, following the tragic deaths of two family members. The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, 56, who had transitioned to Roberta Esposito, opened fire during the match, ultimately taking the lives of his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan.
The catastrophic incident at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena unfolded Monday, resulting in three additional family members sustaining critical injuries. Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend are currently hospitalized, fighting for their lives. Thankfully, the couple’s 17-year-old son, Colin, who played in the hockey game, escaped unharmed.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Dorgan died at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators are probing the incident as a family dispute precipitated by longstanding grievances.
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s daughter from a previous marriage, has since spoken publicly about the motives behind the shooting, describing her father as harboring a “vendetta” against his family. In a recent interview, she expressed her sorrow and frustration over the premeditated nature of the violence. “This was not a random act. Our family was specifically targeted,” she said.
Wallace-Hubbard also expressed profound gratitude for Michael Black, a bystander who intervened during the chaos, tackling Dorgan and likely preventing further tragedy. “I can’t thank him enough. I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him,” she shared, reflecting on the harrowing experience her children witnessed.
In an interview with another media outlet, Wallace-Hubbard elaborated on her father’s troubled life, noting that personal challenges and conflicts had led to his estrangement from the family. “He had many flaws and demons that ultimately made him feel isolated from us,” she stated, adding complexity to the family’s painful narrative.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this unthinkable event, the investigation continues, shining a light on the impact of domestic disputes that can escalate into violence. The loss experienced by the Dorgan family has prompted discussions about mental health, family dynamics, and community safety, as residents strive to understand how such a tragedy could occur in their midst.