On February 16, 2026, Robert Dorgan opened fire during a Senior Night hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing his ex-wife, Rhonda, and their adult son, Aidan, before taking his own life. Several others were critically injured, while his teenage son, who had been on the ice for the celebration, was physically unharmed. Authorities described the shooting as a targeted family dispute, noting that Dorgan had brought two legally purchased firearms into the arena. He left no note, and investigators said there had been no visible warning signs moments before the attack.

In the days that followed, court records and past police reports revealed a complicated history marked by divorce proceedings, family conflict, financial strain, and prior legal disputes. Years earlier, Dorgan had told police he feared for his safety amid tense family disagreements following his gender transition, though related cases were later dismissed. Friends and colleagues described him as devoted to his children but acknowledged he struggled privately. As the community mourns, many are left grappling with unanswered questions about how a long history of personal turmoil ended in such a devastating public tragedy.