Transgender Father Kills Ex-Wife and Son at High School Hockey Game

Robert Dorgan was not included in the 'Senior Night' photo with his family hours before the deadly shooting.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A deranged transgender father, Robert Dorgan, gunned down his ex-wife Rhonda and one of their sons, Aidan, at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Dorgan was not included in the pre-game 'Senior Night' photo with Rhonda and their sons, which was the last photo taken of the family together before the tragedy.

Why it matters

The shooting has shocked the local community and raised questions about mental health, domestic violence, and the accessibility of firearms. It also highlights the complex dynamics of a family dealing with gender identity issues and a contentious divorce.

The details

During the high school hockey game, Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, pulled out a gun and shot Rhonda, his ex-wife and cousin, before opening fire on the rest of his family around 2:30 p.m. Rhonda was pronounced dead at the scene, and Aidan was rushed to the hospital in critical condition where he later died. Dorgan's ex-in-laws and a family friend were also critically wounded in the shooting. After the attack, Dorgan turned the gun on himself.

  • Dorgan's son, Colin, was one of the Blackstone Valley Schools players honored during the 'Senior Night' pre-game photo op on February 16, 2026.
  • The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during the high school hockey game on February 16, 2026.

The players

Robert Dorgan

A 56-year-old transgender father who gunned down his ex-wife and one of their sons at a high school hockey game. He also went by the name Roberta Esposito.

Rhonda Dorgan

Robert Dorgan's ex-wife and cousin, who was killed in the shooting.

Aidan Dorgan

One of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan's sons, who was killed in the shooting.

Colin Dorgan

One of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan's sons, who was honored during the 'Senior Night' pre-game photo op.

Chip DeLorenzo

The photographer who captured the 'Senior Night' pre-game photo of the Dorgan family, which was the last photo taken of them together before the tragedy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That photograph might give them comfort, knowing it was their last moment together.”

— Chip DeLorenzo, Photographer (WPRI)

“I can't imagine what that's like ... but looking through the lens, I don't know them and they don't know me, but when I look through the lens I feel a little bit of intimacy.”

— Chip DeLorenzo, Photographer (WPRI)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting and the history of mental health issues and domestic violence in the Dorgan family.

The takeaway

This tragic event highlights the need for better mental health support, domestic violence prevention, and firearm safety measures to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.