PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified the victims killed in Monday’s tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena as Rhonda Dorgan and her son, Aidan Dorgan.

The shooting occurred during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game and left two people dead and three others critically injured.

Police said the suspect, Robert K. Dorgan, 56, died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack, which authorities have described as stemming from a family dispute.

In a statement shared by relatives, the Dorgan family described the profound loss they are now facing.

“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,” the statement read.

In addition to the deaths of Rhonda and Aidan, two grandparents remain hospitalized in critical condition and are fighting for their lives, according to family members.

Ava Dorgan, a nursing student, and Colin Dorgan, a 17-year-old high school senior, are now facing the future without their mother and older brother.

Family members described the emotional toll as overwhelming, particularly given their young ages.

“The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear,” the family said. “Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build lives that honor the memory of those we have lost.”

Following the shooting, Ava Dorgan spoke briefly with reporters outside Pawtucket police headquarters, confirming that the gunman was her father.

“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said. She described him as “mentally ill” and “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.

Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect also went by the name Roberta Esposito and stated that investigators are continuing to examine his background and the events leading up to the shooting.

The shooting erupted at approximately 2:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the Senior Night game began.

The matchup featured a cooperative team comprised of Coventry and Johnston players competing against a co-op team including students from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.

Livestream footage captured multiple gunshots ringing out from the stands, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety.

Witnesses described a scene of panic as families fled the arena and sought shelter nearby.

Chief Goncalves said officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of gunfire.

A bystander intervened during the incident and attempted to subdue the shooter, actions the chief credited with preventing further loss of life.

None of the players on the ice were physically injured, though many witnessed the violence firsthand.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Police have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are asking anyone with additional video footage to come forward.

Court records indicate that Robert Dorgan had a history of family conflicts, some involving disputes related to gender identity.

In 2020, he reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged conflicts with extended family members following that decision.

Dorgan’s divorce from Rhonda Dorgan was finalized in June 2021.

Initial divorce filings referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits before being amended to cite irreconcilable differences.

Authorities have not publicly identified a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as the result of a family dispute.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the incident devastating for the community.

“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.”

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also expressed condolences and encouraged anyone struggling in the aftermath to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, the Dorgan family says they are focusing on supporting one another and honoring the memory of Rhonda and Aidan.

“Our hearts are broken,” the family said, “but we will carry their love with us every day.”