rhode island shooting: Son Who Died at Pawtucket Hockey Game Remembered as an Achiever
Authorities say a deadly shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink left two people dead and several others wounded on Monday night (Eastern Time). One of the victims, identified as 19-year-old Aidan Dorgan, had recently begun his engineering career and was celebrated by family, teammates and classmates for his work ethic and community involvement.
What happened at the rink
Police say the incident unfolded during a "senior night" hockey game at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. While attending to support his brother, Aidan was shot and killed. The shooter, identified as Aidan's father, also fatally shot his ex-wife. Three others were critically wounded, including the parents of the shooter’s ex-wife and a family friend. Authorities moved quickly to secure the scene and to provide medical care to the wounded.
The killings stunned the local hockey community and prompted law enforcement to open an active investigation into motive and timeline. Investigators have said the shooter had been identified and that inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the attack are ongoing. Local leaders and organizers called for calm and support for the victims' families in the aftermath.
Remembering Aidan Dorgan
Friends and family remember Aidan as a driven young man who balanced athletics, work and technical interests. He had recently been hired by Electric Boat as an engineer, a position he had worked toward for months. Aidan had been a long-time hockey player, serving as a four-year starter for his high school team; he also played football and lacrosse and held multiple summer jobs.
Those who knew him described a teenager who showed initiative beyond sports. A high school profile highlighted a multi-year project in which Aidan restored a 1968 Mustang GT 500 with his grandfather, a hands-on undertaking that classmates said reflected his mechanical aptitude and patience. In communications tied to his college recruiting process, he emphasized a willingness to develop relationships with coaches and to prove himself despite coming from a smaller division program.
Family members have announced the deaths of the mother and son, and tributes have begun to appear in the community. Teammates and former coaches recalled Aidan’s competitiveness, team-first approach and the quiet diligence that made him "that" kid who could be counted on both on and off the ice.
Community response and next steps
The shooting has left many searching for answers and ways to support grieving relatives. School counseling resources would be made available to students impacted by the tragedy. Local hockey organizations and community groups planned vigils and opportunities for the public to express condolences.
Law enforcement investigators continue to piece together a full timeline and to interview witnesses. Officials have emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to proceed while offering support services to survivors and family members. The events at Lynch Arena have reignited conversations about mental health, firearms safety and community preparedness in the face of sudden violence.
As the investigation moves forward, those who knew Aidan are focused on preserving the memory of a young man described as hardworking, coachable and passionate about both his craft and his community. In the coming days, more details are expected to emerge about the circumstances surrounding the attack, and local leaders urged residents to prioritize compassion and support for those directly affected.
