The death toll continues to rise following the roof collapse of a Dominican Republic nightclub.
And among the at least 113 people who died after the tragic incident at the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo was merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing onstage in the early hours of April 8 as the roof came down, his team confirmed. He was 69.
“We sincerely thank you for all the love, support and solidarity we have received in this difficult time for your family, friends and followers,” the April 9 statement on Rubby’s Instagram said in Spanish. “His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts. Peace to his soul.”
The “Tu Vas a Volar” singer’s body was pulled from the rubble by rescuers, the director of Emergency Operations Center Juan Manuel Méndez shared in a press conference ahead of the statement.
As rescuers continued their search at the site, resulting in more than 155 people being taken to nearby hospitals for their injuries, Rubby’s daughter Zulinka Pérez shared insight into the moments after the roof came down.
“I’m his backup singer—my husband and I are backup singers,” Zulinka told local media during an April 8 press conference in Spanish. “My husband covered me, threw himself on top of me, and he got trapped. He told me, ‘Get out quickly.’ The musicians were able to get out; the bass player is in critical condition; I think he had surgery in the hospital. And one of the saxophone players is dead.”
Other victims also included former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as Monte Crisiti governor Nelsy Cruz. Dotel’s agent Dan Horwits reflected on his client’s life while confirming his death.
“His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Horowits shared in an April 8 Instagram post. “It was an honor to represent OD. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”
Following the collapse, which occurred during the set around 1 a.m. local time, the nightclub also issued its own statement.
“The loss of human lives leaves us in a state of profound sorrow and grief,” the venue wrote on Instagram. “In this difficult moment, our prayers are with each of the affected families. We share their pain as if it were our own, as we, too, are in mourning. We are working fully and transparently with the competent authorities to assist the victims and clarify what happened.”
