Nation Grieves Rubby Perez After Nightclub Collapse

A wave of heartbreak swept through the Dominican Republic on April 10, as thousands mourned beloved merengue icon Rubby Pérez, who was tragically killed when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed mid-performance. Draped in black and white, fans and dignitaries, including President Luis Abinader, gathered at Santo Domingo’s National Theater to honor the star. With 221 confirmed dead, 200 injured, and over 146 bodies identified so far, the nation is still reeling from the devastating tragedy. Among the victims: MLB veterans Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and the sister of All-Star Nelson Cruz. This is more than a collapse, it’s a national heartbreak.