Legendary Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez has died following a tragic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, just days after a performance in New York City. The collapse occurred early last Tuesday, killing over 100 people. Pérez was performing on stage at the time.

Pérez had just energized fans with a performance in Washington Heights at La Nueva Espana the previous Friday. A memorial has since been set up outside the NYC venue, where fans are mourning his sudden death.

His team released a statement expressing deep sorrow, thanking fans for their love and support, "His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts."

Pérez rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Wilfrido Vargas Orchestra and later built a successful solo career in the 1980s, becoming a beloved ambassador of merengue music.

Also killed in the tragedy were former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as fashion designer Martin Polanco.

Vigils have been held across the Tri-State area, including in Paterson, NJ, where the Dominican community gathered to honour those lost. Stories shared by fans and radio listeners described Pérez as both a musical icon and a deeply humble man.

Read more

‘Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron’ returns to Rabindra Sarobar this Pahela Baishakh

"The Dominican diaspora is in mourning," said Victor Urbaez of the Dominican American Political Force. "We lost a lot of great people. It's beyond imagination."

Search efforts continue in Santo Domingo as communities in both the US and the Dominican Republic grapple with the heartbreaking loss.