2026 -- H 7826

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LC005895

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

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 HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC EVENTS AT THE DENNIS M. LYNCH

ARENA IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Corvese, O'Brien,
Kislak, Kennedy, Newberry, Potter, and McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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 House of Representatives 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 House 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.

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LC005895

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