Honoring the Lives of Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan and Gerald Dorgan, Commending the Heroism of First Responders and Citizens, and Expressing the Deepest Sympathy of the Rhode Island Senate Following the Tragic Events at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in the City of Pawtucket

WHEREAS, On February 16, 2026, during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in the City of Pawtucket, a community gathering intended to celebrate student achievement and sportsmanship was shattered by an act of violence; and

WHEREAS, The tragedy claimed the lives of Rhonda Dorgan, a devoted public servant and respected clinical laboratory scientist, and her son, Aidan Dorgan, a promising student at Merrimack College whose future was filled with hope and potential; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Dorgan, the beloved father of Rhonda Dorgan and grandfather of Aidan Dorgan, who had been critically injured during the incident, has since passed away, while his wife, Linda Dorgan, also sustained serious injuries; and

WHEREAS, In the face of danger, courageous bystanders acted swiftly to intervene, and off-duty first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and arena staff responded immediately with professionalism and valor, preventing further loss of life and providing urgent care to the injured; and

WHEREAS, The strength, resilience, and unity demonstrated by the Pawtucket community in the aftermath of this tragedy stand as a testament to the compassion and character of the people of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors the cherished memories of Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and offers heartfelt wishes for the full and swift recovery of those who were injured; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate expresses its profound gratitude to the brave citizens and first responders whose decisive actions safeguarded countless lives and affirms its unwavering commitment to fostering safe communities throughout the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the families of Rhonda, Aidan, and Gerald Dorgan and to the Honorable Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of the City of Pawtucket.