A tragic incident in the Dominican Republic has left 221 people dead after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a concert. Among those who lost their lives was 24-year-old Jennifer Contreras, a woman from Passaic, New Jersey, who had traveled to the country to celebrate her birthday.
Jennifer’s body was found by first responders under the rubble at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. Her sister, Luz Contreras, told NJ.com that Jennifer had been at the nightclub for her birthday celebration and to obtain a microblading certification for her sister’s nail salon. “Everybody knew, everybody who knows us, knew, she was my best friend, my partner in crime, we always did everything together,” Luz said. “She didn’t have any haters. With her, it was all love. Everyone loved her. I love her and I miss her so much.”
The night turned deadly when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub caved in during the performance of merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Pérez, who was 69 years old, was one of the many victims confirmed dead. His manager, Enrique Paulino, confirmed his passing to PEOPLE. The singer’s funeral was held on Thursday, April 10, according to his Instagram profile, which was changed to a black picture in mourning.
Also among the victims were Elvira Malkic and Hakim Boubazine, a married couple from New York City. Malkic, a mother of three, co-owned the Elity Art Gallery on 5th Avenue, and Boubazine was the former Chief Operating Officer of telecommunications company Altice USA until 2021. The couple was reportedly at the nightclub when the roof came crashing down.
A tribute to Malkic was posted on the Elite Art Instagram page, calling her “a true visionary who advanced undiscovered artistic talent” and describing her as “an angel sent to Earth.” Altice USA also shared its condolences, stating, “We are heartbroken for the families of all those lost in this devastating event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the Boubazine family.”
The disaster also claimed the life of former MLB player Tony Blanco, whose son, Tony Blanco Jr., is a current prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel was also confirmed dead in the incident. Massachusetts restaurant owner Fray Luis Rosario and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Dominican Republic’s Montecristi province and the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, were also among the casualties.
Adding to the heartbreak, a saxophonist who had been performing with Rubby Pérez was also among those killed in the collapse. The incident has left families, friends, and fans mourning the loss of talented individuals across various fields.
The collapse occurred during a concert that had attracted hundreds of people, and the news of the tragedy has shocked both local and international communities. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse and whether safety measures were followed at the nightclub. Authorities in the Dominican Republic have pledged to provide support to the grieving families and investigate the incident thoroughly.
As the country continues to mourn the loss of so many lives, tributes continue to pour in from all over, remembering the victims as beloved figures, each with their own legacy. The families left behind are left to cope with the overwhelming grief of losing their loved ones in such an unexpected and devastating way.
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