Remembering Rubby Pérez and the Victims of the Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy

Remembering Rubby Pérez and the Victims of the Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy

On April 8, 2025, the Dominican Republic and the global music community were devastated by the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub's roof in Santo Domingo. This catastrophic event claimed 226 lives, including the beloved merengue icon Rubby Pérez, and left over 200 others injured. The disaster has since become one of the deadliest non-natural tragedies in the nation's history.

A Daughter's Heartbreaking Perspective

Among the survivors was Rubby Pérez's daughter, Zulinka Pérez, who performed alongside her father that fateful night. In the chaos following the collapse, Zulinka recounted how her father continued to sing beneath the rubble, hoping his voice would guide rescuers to their location. Despite his efforts, Rubby Pérez succumbed to his injuries, leaving a void in the hearts of many.

Honoring the Victims

The tragedy claimed the lives of numerous individuals, including:

  • Rubby Pérez: Renowned merengue singer.

  • Octavio Dotel: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.

  • Tony Blanco: Baseball player who died saving Esteban Germán.

  • Luis Guillén: National football team player.

  • Martín Polanco: Fashion designer.

  • Christian Alejandro Tejeda Pichardo: Director of Urban Infrastructure for the National District Mayor's Office.

  • Lucila Ramón: United Nations World Food Programme official.

  • Eduardo Grullón: Chairman of AFP Popular, along with his wife, sister, and her husband.

  • Nelsy Cruz: Governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz.

  • Jennifer Contreras: 24-year-old from Passaic, New Jersey, celebrating her birthday.

  • Antonia Ignacio Douglas (Violeta): New Jersey resident.

  • Elivira Malkic and Kahim Boubazine: New York City art dealer and her husband.

  • Fray Luis Rosario: Owner of Terra Luna Cafe in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Terre Negra Cantina in Providence, Rhode Island.YouTube+2Instagram+2Tropicana Colombia+2New York Post+2Wikipedia+2New York Post+2New York Post+1New York Post+1

The diverse backgrounds of the victims highlight the widespread impact of this tragedy.PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+3ASIS International+3AP News+3

Global Mourning and Support

The international community has expressed profound grief over the incident. New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the site, laying a wreath and emphasizing the deep ties between the Dominican community and New York City. His presence underscored the shared mourning and solidarity in the wake of the devastating collapse.New York Post

Supporting the Families

To honor Rubby Pérez's legacy and support his family, memorial shirts are now available at www.rubbyperezmemorial.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to his family, aiding them during this difficult time. By wearing these shirts, fans can pay tribute to a man whose music brought joy to countless lives.

As the world remembers Rubby Pérez and all the victims of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, their voices and spirits continue to resonate through the memories they created. Let us honor their legacies and support their families by visiting www.rubbyperezmemorial.com.

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