Incident Overview

The horror unfolded during a performance by Pérez on Tuesday evening. The cause of the collapse remains undetermined, and search efforts for potential survivors in the rubble are ongoing, as hundreds more have been reported injured.

The tragic event has left the nation in mourning, with the Jet Set nightclub issuing a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life and their commitment to collaborating with authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Tributes to Rubby Pérez

Rubby Pérez, who was 69 years old, was confirmed dead via a post on his official Instagram account. The message expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and highlighted the enduring impact of his musical legacy.

Pérez, born Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera, began his career in 1978 after an automobile accident altered his original ambition of being a professional baseball player. He gained prominence in the mid-1980s as part of Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra before embarking on a solo career in 1987, during which he reached Billboard chart success.

Octavio Dotel’s Legacy

Octavio Dotel, 51, was a seasoned MLB pitcher who played for an impressive 13 teams over 15 seasons. He was also part of the World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Tributes have poured in from the baseball community, including a heartfelt statement from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who extended condolences to the families of all victims involved in the tragedy.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dotel made his Major League debut with the New York Mets in 1999 and was recognized as one of the most versatile relievers in baseball, contributing to the significant success of the teams he played for throughout his career.

Survivor Accounts

Zulinka Pérez, daughter of Rubby Pérez, initially reported that her father was found alive under the debris, singing to signal rescuers. She shared the harrowing experience of how her husband shielded her during the collapse but was subsequently trapped. “Get out quickly,” were his last urging words to her as they faced the terrifying event.

The incident also left several members of Pérez’s band injured, with one musician in critical condition and reports of a saxophonist among the deceased.

Impact on the Community

The Jet Set nightclub, a prominent venue for vibrant nightlife in the Dominican Republic, has expressed its deep grief over the loss of lives sustained during this incident. In their statement, they acknowledged the profound impact the tragedy has had on the community and pledged their support for ongoing recovery efforts.