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Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who had been performing at a doomed nightclub in the Dominican Republic when its roof collapsed, was among the 98 people declared dead.

He was 69 years old.

Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, confirmed news of the musician’s death. He told local media at the scene that the group’s saxophonist was also crushed to death at the renowned Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.


  Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who had been performing at the doomed nightclub in the Dominican Republic when its roof collapsed, has died at age 69. Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who had been performing at the doomed nightclub in the Dominican Republic when its roof collapsed, has died at age 69. Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial

Following the news of his death, Pérez’s profile picture on Instagram was changed to black. However, no additional details about his death have been released as crews search for potential survivors in the rubble.

According to the singer’s family, he was initially pulled alive from the destroyed one-story nightclub after officials “found him singing.”

He was immediately transferred for treatment to the Plaza de Salud hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“We hope to God that he recovers soon … He’s injured, but he’s hospitalized; they found him singing. He started singing so they could hear him. He’s always told me, ‘If something ever happens to me, cover me so no one takes pictures,'” his daughter Zulinka Pérez told Spanish news outlet Noticias Telemicro before his death was confirmed.

The singer’s brother, former major league infielder Neifi Pérez, was not present at the club during the tragedy.

The beloved merengue singer released a total of 13 albums after kickstarting a solo career in 1987.

Follow the latest on the tragic roof collapse at a Dominican Republic nightclub:

Some of the albums went on to become certified gold in countries including Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, El Colombiano reports.

Pérez was best known for hits like “Volveré” (“I Will Return”), “Buscando tus Besos” (“Searching for Your Kisses”) and “Dame Veneno” (“Give Me Poison”).


  Civil defense personnel and firefighters inspect the Jet Set nightclub after the collapse of its roof, in Santo Domingo, on April 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Civil defense personnel and firefighters inspect the Jet Set nightclub after the collapse of its roof, in Santo Domingo, on April 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

  The beloved merengue singer released a total of 13 albums after kickstarting a solo career in 1987. Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial The beloved merengue singer released a total of 13 albums after kickstarting a solo career in 1987. Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial

  Pérez was best known for hits like “Buscando tus Besos” (“Searching for Your Kisses”). Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial Pérez was best known for hits like “Buscando tus Besos” (“Searching for Your Kisses”). Instagram/@rubbyperezoficial

On Wednesday morning, Dominican Republic National Police confirmed on Instagram that the death toll had risen to 98 and a total of 155 people had been transported to nearby hospitals.

“We continue clearing debris and searching for people,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, on Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press.

“We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”

Among the confirmed dead are several former athletes, including former World Series champion Octavio Dotel and former major league baseball player Tony Blanco, father of current Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Tony Blanco Jr.

Dotel, who started as a Mets prospect and won a ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, and Blanco Sr., who played briefly for the Washington Nationals, died shortly after the roof caved in.

Dotel was pulled alive from the rubble, but died while being transported to a hospital, according to MLB reporter Hector Gomez.


  Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. AP Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. AP

  Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early Tuesday, April 8, 2025. AP Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early Tuesday, April 8, 2025. AP

Head of emergency operations Gen. Juan Manuel Mendez confirmed to Noticias SIN that Dotel, 51, had accompanied Blanco, 45, to the famed venue, which often hosted live performances during the week.

Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, was also among the dead, authorities said. Cruz is the sister of former major league slugger Nelson Cruz.

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