As investigators continue piecing together what led to Monday's tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, many in the community are turning their attention to the lives lost - and the emotional scars left behind.
Authorities confirmed that Rhonda Dorgan, 52, and her son, Aidan Dorgan, 23, were killed during the attack at a youth hockey game. Three others - Linda Dorgan, Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso - remain in critical condition.
While early headlines focused on the suspect, families across Rhode Island are now grappling with a deeper reality: the trauma carried by those who witnessed violence in a place meant for children, sportsmanship, and community.
Aidan Dorgan: A Promising Student and Teammate
Aidan Dorgan was described by Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey as a "bright student" who made both the President's and Dean's lists. He was deeply involved in the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences and participated in the college's 2025 Research & Creative Achievement Conference, where he and classmates presented robotics innovations designed to solve real-world challenges.
Faculty members said he was respected and intellectually curious - a young man with a future still unfolding.
Tragically, his younger brother was reportedly playing in the hockey game when the shooting occurred. For teammates and classmates who witnessed the chaos firsthand, what began as a routine competition has now become a memory marked by fear and grief.
School officials and league leaders have acknowledged that the emotional impact on students could be long-lasting. Counseling resources are being made available to players and families affected.
Rhonda Dorgan: A Mother Supporting Her Son
Rhonda Dorgan was at the rink to watch her son play - a simple act of parental support that turned into unimaginable loss.
In a statement released through the family's attorney, relatives said they are "deeply and profoundly affected" and asked for privacy.
"We are reminded that behind every headline is a family experiencing profound pain and loss," the statement read.
Those close to the family say Rhonda was devoted to her children and remained a central figure in their lives even after her divorce was finalized in 2021. Her parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, who were also injured in the attack, remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Trauma Beyond the Arena
Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out during the livestreamed hockey game. Players dove for cover. Parents rushed from the stands. Some children were escorted from the ice in tears.
Outside the arena, families searched frantically for loved ones. First responders carried victims to waiting ambulances. For many in attendance, those moments will not easily fade.
Mental health professionals often note that violence in familiar community spaces - schools, churches, sports arenas - can deeply affect a sense of safety. The rink was more than a venue; it was a gathering place where families built routines and memories.
Now, that sense of normalcy has been shaken.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has suspended games as schools assess how best to support students. Governor Dan McKee said the state is "grieving again," referencing another recent mass shooting in the region.
A Community Searching for Strength
As Pawtucket mourns, local churches and faith leaders have begun organizing prayer gatherings and support services. In times of tragedy, many turn to faith not for quick explanations but for comfort and resilience.
For families who witnessed the violence - especially young athletes - healing will take time. Counselors and trauma specialists are encouraging open conversations and community support.
In the midst of investigative updates and legal details, many residents say the focus must remain on honoring the victims and caring for those still recovering - physically and emotionally.
Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan were not just names in a report. They were family members, students, and neighbors. And for a community that gathered at the rink expecting an ordinary afternoon, the emotional weight of that day will linger long after the headlines move on.
