A tragic incident unfolded at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, where a 23-year-old man was fatally shot by his transgender father. The shocking event took place at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, not far from Providence, on a Monday afternoon.
The victims of this horrifying act were Aidan Dorgan, aged 23, and his mother, Rhonda, aged 52. The perpetrator, Robert Dorgan, who was also known as Roberta Esposito, ended the shooting spree by taking his own life.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Aidan’s grandparents were also caught in the crossfire and are currently in critical condition. A GoFundMe page set up by Rhonda’s stepdaughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, confirmed that the grandparents are battling for their lives.
Adding to the tragedy, Rhonda’s youngest son, 17-year-old Colin Dorgan, witnessed the horrific event while on the ice. Colin, who serves as the captain of the Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey team, was captured on video skating backwards as gunshots echoed through the rink.
Rhonda’s youngest son Colin Dorgan, 17, watched the tragedy unfold from the ice, video of the shooting showed.
Colin, captain of the Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey team, can be seen skating backwards as shots rang out in the rink.
The standout defenseman, wearing his No. 17 jersey, abruptly turned his head towards the source of the gunfire before rushing off the ice.
Colin and his sister Ava, a 20-year-old nursing student, are heartbroken by the loss of their mother and older brother.
Aidan Dorgan, 23, was killed at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence, on Monday afternoon
Aidan Dorgan (left) was shot by his transgender father Robert Dorgan, (right) who also went by the name Roberta Esposito
Pictured left to right: Ava, Rhonda, Aidan and Colin Dorgan
Colin, captain of the Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey team, can be seen skating backwards as shots rang out in the rink
‘The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear, especially at such young ages,’ Wallace-Hubbard wrote.
‘Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build a life that honors the memory of our loved ones.’
The crowdfunding campaign has raised nearly $13,000 in just two hours.
Donations will be used to support Ava and Colin, now orphans, with basic living expenses as they continue their education.
‘We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and especially the hockey community. Your kindness and generosity have given us strength and hope when we need it most,’ Wallace-Hubbard wrote.
‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with our family.’
Like his younger brother, Aidan was also a standout hockey player. He played on the varsity team during his four years at North Providence High School, according to his NCSA College Recruiting profile.
Aidan, who graduated in 2021, served as the team’s captain during his senior year. The star athlete was also a varsity lacrosse player and played on his high school’s junior varsity football team for one year.
Both Aidan (left) and Colin Dorgan (right) served as captains of their respective varsity hockey teams during their senior years of high school
He and his girlfriend of five years, Starr, appear to have gotten engaged last October. She posted this photo of him on Valentine’s Day, writing: ‘I love doing life with you!’
He went on to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Merrimack College and graduated in May last year.
He spent his first summer post-grad interning at Connecticut-based company General Dynamics Electric Boat, his LinkedIn profile showed.
Aidan was hired on as an engineer after the completion of his internship in September and has worked at the firm ever since.
He and his girlfriend of five years, Starr, appear to have gotten engaged last October.
Starr shared a photo of them to her Instagram page on Valentine’s Day, writing: ‘I love doing life with you!’
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
