There has been an update: Rubby Pérez, the iconic Dominican singer renowned for his chart-topping hits like "Buscando Tus Besos," has tragically been confirmed dead following the devastating incident at the Jet Set nightclub. On Tuesday, April 8, as he performed on stage, a sudden roof collapse occurred, creating a chaotic scene that shocked fans and staff. You can read all the confirmed details about his passing in this full story.
Earlier Confusion Over Rubby Pérez’s Status
Rubby Pérez, the iconic Dominican singer renowned for his chart-topping hits like "Buscando Tus Besos," has been confirmed among the missing following a devastating incident at the Jet Set nightclub. On Tuesday, April 8, as he performed on stage, a sudden roof collapse occurred, creating a chaotic scene that shocked fans and staff.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to assist, and Pérez was reportedly successfully rescued. However, his family members revealed that they are still looking for the singer in the rubble. The incident has sparked concerns about the venue's safety measures and the well-being of those who were present during the performance.
What Happened at Jet Set Nightclub?
Around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, one of Santo Domingo's most well-known venues, collapsed mid-show during a packed event headlined by Rubby Pérez. According to reports, close to 1,000 people were inside at the time. Total chaos followed.
As of this writing, the collapse left 58 people dead and 160 injured, according to the latest update from the Emergency Operations Center (COE in Spanish). Rescue efforts kicked off immediately, led by the Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful, the COE, the National Police, and Civil Defense.
Rubby Pérez is Missing
For hours, fans and family feared the worst. Rubby's daughter, Zulinka Pérez, was at the concert and shared with local news that she escaped the venue but didn't know if her father had made it out. Her testimony sparked a massive prayer chain across the Dominican Republic and beyond.
Her husband, also a backup singer, shielded her during the collapse. "Get out so the child isn't left alone if this collapses completely," he reportedly told her. She managed to escape, but Rubby was still trapped.
Artistic producer Evelio Herrera told local news that Rubby Pérez had been found alive under the rubble. "They just found Rubby Pérez, glory to God, he is stable. Now it's official, spread the word," he posted on Instagram. Shortly after, Rubby's manager, Fernando Soto, also confirmed that the singer had been rescued and received medical attention.
Hours later, Rubby's brother denied the news, alleging the singer has not been found.
A Night of Celebration Turned Tragic
Zulinka also revealed that Rubby's saxophonist died in the collapse, adding to the heartbreak. The full extent of the injuries and damage is still being assessed, and the names of the deceased and those missing are being released.
Fans who were at the show describe the moment as surreal, with the ceiling suddenly giving in and debris raining down on the crowd. Emergency crews were on the scene quickly, digging through rubble to save as many lives as possible.
What's Next for the Investigation?
Details about Rubby's condition are still limited. Meanwhile, investigations are already underway to figure out what caused the collapse. Jet Set nightclub has hosted top-tier artists for decades, and this disaster is raising questions about infrastructure, crowd control, and building maintenance.
As tributes pour in for the victims, the country is also praying for the survival of a national treasure. For now, everyone's holding onto hope.