H 7826

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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  HOUSE RESOLUTION
    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
1WHEREAS, On February 16, 2026, during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M.
2 Lynch Arena in the City of Pawtucket, a community gathering intended to celebrate student
3 achievement and sportsmanship was shattered by an act of violence; and
4WHEREAS, The tragedy claimed the lives of Rhonda Dorgan, a devoted public servant
5 and respected clinical laboratory scientist, and her son, Aidan Dorgan, a promising student at
6 Merrimack College whose future was filled with hope and potential; and
7WHEREAS, Gerald Dorgan, the beloved father of Rhonda Dorgan and grandfather of
8 Aidan Dorgan, who had been critically injured during the incident, has since passed away, while
9 his wife, Linda Dorgan, also sustained serious injuries; and
10WHEREAS, In the face of danger, courageous bystanders acted swiftly to intervene, and
11 off-duty first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel,
12 and arena staff responded immediately with professionalism and valor, preventing further loss of
13 life and providing urgent care to the injured; and
14WHEREAS, The strength, resilience, and unity demonstrated by the Pawtucket
15 community in the aftermath of this tragedy stand as a testament to the compassion and character
16 of the people of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it
17RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
18 honors the cherished memories of Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan extends its
1 deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and offers heartfelt wishes for the full and
2 swift recovery of those who were injured; and be it further
3RESOLVED, That this House expresses its profound gratitude to the brave citizens and
4 first responders whose decisive actions safeguarded countless lives and affirms its unwavering
5 commitment to fostering safe communities throughout the State of Rhode Island; and be it further
6RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
7 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the families of Rhonda, Aidan, and Gerald
8 Dorgan and to the Honorable Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of the City of Pawtucket.
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LC005895
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