Tragedy at Rhode Island Ice Rink: Domestic Violence Shooting Leaves Casualties
#mass_shooting #rhode_island #domestic_violence #public_safety
Tragedy at Rhode Island Ice Rink
A devastating shooting occurred on February 16, 2026, at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school ice hockey game. Roberta Dorgano, 56, opened fire on her family members and a family friend, resulting in multiple casualties. The incident unfolded in front of dozens of spectators and was partially captured on a livestream of the game, making it a public tragedy witnessed by many.
Victims and Investigation
Authorities confirmed that Dorgano killed her ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and her adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Three additional victims were critically injured, including Rhonda's parents and a family friend, all treated at Rhode Island Hospital. Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the incident as domestic violence, noting that Dorgano was seated with her ex-wife and family when she opened fire without apparent confrontation.
Community Impact
This shooting marks the second major mass casualty event in Rhode Island within two months, following an incident at Brown University in Providence. The tragedy has deeply affected the Pawtucket community and raised concerns about violence at public venues.
```About the Organizations Mentioned
Dennis M. Lynch Arena
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Dennis M. Lynch Arena: Pawtucket's Premier Ice Sports Hub</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #2c3e50; } h2 { color: #34495e; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; padding-bottom: 10px; } p { margin-bottom: 15px; } ul { margin-bottom: 15px; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Dennis M. Lynch Arena: Pawtucket's Premier Ice Sports Hub</h1> <p>Nestled in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the **Dennis M. Lynch Arena**—also known as the RI Sports Center or Blackstone Valley Sports Center—stands as a vibrant cornerstone for ice sports enthusiasts. This state-of-the-art indoor facility at 25 Andrew Ferland Way offers year-round skating, blending community recreation with competitive hockey in the heart of Blackstone Valley.[1][3][4]</p> <h2>Rich History and Evolution</h2> <p>Founded around 2000, the arena traces its roots to the former John W. Kennedy Jr. Memorial Ice Rink. A pivotal ownership change in February 2001 shifted it to local management, sparking a commitment to superior skating experiences. Major renovations in 2006 and 2011 transformed it into a modern haven, complete with a cutting-edge strength and conditioning center on the second floor.[1]</p>
Rhode Island Hospital
Rhode Island Hospital is the state’s largest private, not-for-profit acute care hospital and the only Level I Trauma Center serving southeastern New England, functioning as the principal teaching and research hospital for Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School and as a founding member of the Brown University Health system (formerly Lifespan/Brown Health)[4][2]. Founded in Providence and integrated with Brown University since 1969, the 719-bed hospital offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services with leading programs in cardiology (including the state’s only open-heart surgery program), oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics, organ transplantation, psychiatry, diabetes care and trauma/emergency medicine[4][2]. Its pediatric services are delivered through Hasbro Children’s Hospital on the same campus, the state’s only dedicated pediatric facility and a national leader in fetal surgery, pediatric neurosurgery and other subspecialties[2][4]. Key achievements include designation as the regional Level I Trauma Center, hosting Rhode Island’s only open-heart surgery program, and developing nationally recognized specialty centers such as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a large Cancer Institute that coordinates multidisciplinary care and clinical trials[1][4]. The hospital is also a major residency and training site—offering more than 42 residency programs—and maintains extensive research and teaching affiliations via Brown University, attracting academic faculty and funding for clinical research[4][5]. Currently, Rhode Island Hospital operates as a high-volume tertiary referral center with extensive emergency and surgical throughput and a large workforce embedded in Brown University Health; it continues to expand specialty programs and technology-driven care models while coordinating region-wide services across partner hospitals[1][3][8]. Notable aspects for business and technology audiences include its role as an academic-medical anchor in Rhode Island’s healthcare ecosystem, its integration of multidisciplinary specialty institutes, and its ongoing adoption of advanced clinical technologies and research-driven care pathways that influence regional healthcare
Brown University
## Overview Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a private Ivy League research university renowned for its distinctive approach to undergraduate education, pioneering research, and strong commitment to social responsibility and innovation. Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and has built a reputation for academic excellence, interdisciplinary study, and a progressive ethos. ## What Brown University Does Brown offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. The university is particularly noted for its Open Curriculum, which empowers undergraduate students to design their own course of study without traditional distribution requirements—a hallmark of Brown’s educational philosophy. Graduate and professional programs, including the Warren Alpert Medical School, School of Public Health, and School of Engineering, foster cutting-edge research and prepare students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and public service. ## History Brown was established by Baptist minister James Manning and others, with significant early ties to Rhode Island’s mercantile and maritime history. The university was named in honor of Nicholas Brown, a prominent benefactor. Throughout its history, Brown has been at the forefront of educational reform, including the 1969 adoption of the Open Curriculum, which revolutionized higher education by prioritizing student autonomy and intellectual exploration. ## Key Achievements Brown has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in diverse fields. Its faculty and alumni have made groundbreaking contributions in areas such as medicine, technology, public policy, and the arts. Recent milestones include the establishment of the Lassonde Innovation and Design Hub, supporting entrepreneurship and technology development[1], and the launch of new graduate programs like the online master’s in business analytics[1]. Brown’s research initiatives frequently address global challenges, from public health to environmental sustainability. ## Current Status As of 2025, Brown continues to attract a highly selective and diverse student body,
