What started as a night of music and joy quickly turned into tragedy in Santo Domingo. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed, leaving at least 113 deaths, with new reports saying 124, including beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez. His daughter Zulinka, who performed as a backup singer in his band, was on stage with him when the roof came down.
“We had just started playing. I’m all bruised because I was on stage,” Zulinka told local media during an April 8 press conference in Spanish, explaining that they’d only been performing for about 30 minutes when everything changed. “The crowd was asking for De Color de Rosa—that’s the one I sing. I told him, ‘Papi, help me, I can’t sing too hard, I just had surgery.’ And he said, ‘Okay, mami, stay on your mic, I’ll stay on mine.’ I always passed him his mic… if I hadn’t, I don’t think I’d be here right now.”
Rubby was initially believed to be alive under the rubble. At one point, there were even reports that he had started singing so rescuers could find him. But those reports turned out to be false. As hope faded, Zulinka recalled a request her father had made years ago: “Mami, if something ever happens to me, cover me up so no one takes pictures.” Hours later, around 5:00 p.m., Rubby’s death was confirmed.
Zulinka’s husband, who also plays in the band, shielded her when the roof collapsed. “He jumped on top of me. He told me to run in case everything caved in—so our son wouldn’t be left alone,” she said through tears. A sound technician rushed her husband to the hospital around 1:15 a.m. Others from the band weren’t as lucky. One musician died, and the group’s bassist is reportedly in critical condition.
“His wife told me he was asking for my dad,” Zulinka said. “One of the saxophonists didn’t make it.”
Rubby’s death has shaken the Latin music world. His family confirmed the news in a statement posted to his social media: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez. We’re deeply grateful for the love, support, and solidarity we’ve received during this painful time. His musical and human legacy will live on in our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
Messages of love and heartbreak poured in from across the entertainment world, including Zoe Saldana. The nightclub owner, Antonio Espaillat, has also spoken up about the tragedy.
Of course, Perez is not the only person who tragically lost their life. Martin Polanco, a beloved fashion designer, also passed away. It has been reported that 124 people died, and while they are not all famous names, their family and friends are mourning them just as hard.
Rest in peace.