Tragic death of Rubby Pérez in the collapse of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic

The music world is in mourning after the passing of Rubby Pérez, one of the greatest exponents of merengue, who died at 69 during a tragedy that occurred on April 8 at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.

The establishment's roof collapsed while the artist was in the middle of a show,  causing the death of at least 98 people. The initial confusion about his whereabouts was later clarified when it was confirmed that the singer had been found lifeless under the rubble.

A merengue icon loses his life in a tragic accident

Rubby Pérez, known as  "The highest voice of merengue," left an indelible mark on the music of the Dominican Republic and beyond. The performer of hits like  “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella”  died while performing on stage, doing what he loved. The sad news was confirmed by his representative in the United States,  Enriquito Paulino, and by his daughter Zulinka Pérez, who was at the disaster site.  She, visibly affected by the news, was assisted by emergency services.

Rubby Pérez's legacy: from the accident to international fame

Born on March 8, 1956, in Haina, Dominican Republic, Rubby Pérez lived a life marked by personal overcoming. At 15, he suffered a car accident that cut short his dreams of becoming a baseball player,  but his passion for music led him to the guitar, cheering up other patients during his long recovery. His career took off with great hits like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella,” a song that even reached position 29 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. His influence grew rapidly, and he was soon recognized as an international ambassador of merengue, gaining respect throughout Latin America and other countries.

His last single,  “No Voy a Llorar,” released this past February 14, marked the artist's return to the music scene. He had also announced his participation in several concerts in the United States, including one at the  Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, scheduled for July 18. However, his life was tragically cut short before he could fulfill these commitments.

Rubby Pérez's legacy will endure not only through his music but also for his contribution to merengue, a genre he proudly brought to audiences worldwide.