A wave of grief has washed over Rhode Island as a third victim succumbed to injuries sustained in the shocking shooting at a youth hockey game last week. Gerald Dorgan, 75, fought for his life since the February 16th attack at Lynch Arena, but ultimately succumbed to his wounds, leaving a community reeling.
The tragedy unfolded during a boys’ hockey game, a scene of youthful energy and spirited competition transformed into one of unimaginable horror. Authorities now confirm the shooter, Robert Dorgan, 56, deliberately targeted his own family, a chilling revelation that deepens the pain and confusion surrounding the event.
Gerald Dorgan’s passing follows the deaths of Robert Dorgan himself, who died by suicide after the shooting, and Rhonda Dorgan, his ex-wife. Their son, Aidan Dorgan, was also tragically killed in the arena, painting a devastating portrait of a family torn apart by violence.
Beyond the immediate fatalities, the shooting left others wounded, including Linda Dorgan, Rhonda’s mother, and a family friend, Thomas Geruso. Their recovery continues as the community grapples with the scale of the loss and the senseless nature of the attack.
Investigators are piecing together the motive, focusing on a long-simmering family dispute. Court records suggest that Robert Dorgan’s gender identity had been a source of conflict within the family, potentially contributing to the escalating tensions that culminated in the arena shooting.
Amidst the chaos and terror, acts of incredible bravery emerged. Witnesses credit several bystanders with intervening, effectively containing the shooter and preventing further bloodshed. At least three individuals courageously held the shooter in place while others fled to safety.
The Dennis M. Lynch Arena, normally a haven for young athletes and their families, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of peace. Located north of Providence, the arena is at the heart of a community struggling to understand how such a tragedy could occur within its midst.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien expressed the collective heartbreak of the city, extending condolences to the victims’ families and friends. The community is united in grief, seeking solace and answers in the wake of this devastating act of violence.
