The roar of the crowd at the Rhode Island hockey game abruptly shattered into screams. A night of youthful energy and spirited competition transformed into a scene of unimaginable horror as gunfire erupted, leaving a community reeling and a family irrevocably broken.
Aidan Dorgan, just 23 years old, fell alongside his mother, Rhonda, 52, victims of a senseless act of violence perpetrated by Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. The tragedy unfolded with brutal swiftness, stealing two lives in an instant and casting a long, dark shadow over the arena.
The devastating truth soon emerged: Rhonda and Aidan were the ex-wife and oldest son of the shooter. The pain was compounded by the fact that Rhonda’s youngest son, Colin, 17, was on the ice, playing the game he loved, when the shooting began – forced to witness a nightmare unfold before his eyes.
Now, Colin and his sister, Ava, are left orphaned, their world shattered by the actions of a parent they once knew. Their stepsister, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, has bravely stepped forward, launching a fundraiser to help secure their future, to provide a foundation for education and a life that honors the memories of those lost.
The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, a transgender woman who lived as Roberta Esposito, ultimately took her own life at the scene. A daughter of the shooter spoke of ongoing mental health struggles, hinting at a deeper turmoil that fueled the tragedy.
Court records reveal a history of family conflict, specifically surrounding issues of gender identity. While a definitive motive remains elusive, these documents suggest a complex and painful backdrop to the horrific event. The weight of unanswered questions hangs heavy in the air.
Chaos erupted in the moments following the gunfire. Four victims were rushed to hospitals, while panicked fans sought refuge wherever they could find it. One nearby Walgreens became an unexpected sanctuary, as terrified families flooded inside, seeking safety and desperately awaiting news.
Pawtucket, a town known for its close-knit community and as the former home of Hasbro’s headquarters, is now grappling with a grief it never anticipated. The quiet streets and familiar landmarks are now forever marked by the tragedy that unfolded within its borders.
