Merengue singer and performer Rubby Perez has died at 69.
The passing of the singer follows a tragic incident where he was trapped in the rubble of a nightclub in Santo Domingo whose roof collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday [April 8] morning. morning, Listín Diario, a Dominican newspaper confirmed his death.
Following his tragic passing, Perez’s Instagram profile picture was changed to a black image.
The singer was performing early Monday at the Jet Set Nightclub in Santa Domingo when the roof collapsed. The incident has claimed the lives of at least 60 people and injured more than 160, according to AP News.
American rapper Cardi B has sent her love to the Dominican Republic following the tragic incident. In an Instagram post, she wrote “I’m in literal tears scrolling down my timeline seeing my Dominican people being rescued some wit lives and some gone,” she wrote. “l’m sad seeing families crying desperately in pain looking for love ones ..I feel like every Dominican around the world is in a big hora Santa praying for survivors and praying for the ones that are gone to be in Gods Glory. For the people who lost a family or a friend don’t have bad memories they left this earth singing and dancing and most likely happy and enjoying themselves and that’s how the lord will receive them.”
Honoring Perez, Cardi wrote “Its so heartbreaking to see one of our iconic artist [Rubby] Perez leave in such a tragic way,” she wrote. “I’m glad tho our final memory of him was him sharing his beautiful voice to us ..Sang one last time .I want my fans to pray for those who was in that building last night ❤️💙”
The collapse occurred roughly an hour into Pérez’s midnight performance. The iconic venue, known as one of the most popular establishments in the Dominican Republic, was hosting more than 300 attendees when the roof gave way, trapping dozens beneath the rubble. Authorities have reported that around 146 people have been rescued, and rescue teams are still searching for an estimated 100 people who remain unaccounted for.
Born Francisco Arturo Pérez in Hato Mayor, Rubby Pérez rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra before embarking on a highly successful solo career in the 1980s. Known for timeless hits like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella” he became an international ambassador for merengue, earning accolades and respect throughout Latin America and beyond.
