Family members release names of deceased, issue update on injured concerning fatal Pawtucket Ice Rink shooting

Family has announced the names of the deceased in yesterday’s fatal shooting in Pawtucket.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, the statement reads as follows:

“On behalf of my family, I am reaching out to share the heartbreaking story of my siblings, Ava and Colin Dorgan. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.”

Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, an indoor ice-skating rink in Pawtucket, on Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred just before 3:00 p.m. at the arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way, amid what was reportedly a high school boys’ hockey game.

With the police station being nearby, local officers quickly converged on the scene within 90 seconds, which was later cordoned off with yellow tape.

Nearby residents were advised to avoid the area.

Preliminary reports indicate the suspect fatally shot himself.

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, 3 are dead and 3 are in critical condition and preliminary reports point to a possible family dispute.

Goncalves stated that the identity of the shooter is 56-year-old Robert Dorgan who also goes by the name of Roberta Esposito.

Dorgan was at the arena to watch his son’s hockey game which happened to be senior night. Good Samaritans stepped in which likely led to the end of the incident, according to Goncalves. After the good Samaritans intervened and disarmed him, Dorgan used a second firearm to shoot himself. Authorities are still investigating a motive.

Dorgan was a current employee at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine where they build ships for the United States Navy.

Police ask the public to send any information they have and the investigation is ongoing.