Legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez dies in tragic Dominican Republic roof collapse
Legendary Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez has tragically passed away after being caught in a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. His death was confirmed by his manager and family after hours of uncertainty.
Renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez has tragically passed away following a devastating roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. Pérez, 69, was confirmed dead just after 5:00 p.m. after hours of uncertainty and efforts to locate him. His passing has shocked his fans and the music community, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades in the merengue genre.
Pérez, known for his impactful solo career and his significant contributions to Wilfrido Vargas' orchestra, was a beloved figure in Latin music. His unexpected death marks the end of an era for Dominican music fans, who remember him not only for his timeless hits but also for his dedication to the genre throughout his life.
Who was Rubby Pérez?
Born Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera in 1956, Rubby Pérez was a legendary Dominican merengue singer. While he initially aspired to play baseball, his life took a drastic turn at 15 when he was struck by a car, causing a severe leg injury that required nearly a year in the hospital. During his recovery, he discovered his passion for music, particularly playing the guitar.
By 1977, Pérez had embraced music as his calling, making his debut with the Los Pitágoras del Ritmo orchestra in Haina. He further developed his musical skills at the National Conservatory of Santo Domingo and became involved in several musical groups, including the Youth Guidance Society Choir and Los Hijos del Rey.
From 1982 to 1986, Pérez gained national fame as a member of Wilfrido Vargas' orchestra, contributing to hit songs like "El Africano," "Volveré," and "Cuando Estés Con Él." In 1987, Pérez embarked on a solo career, releasing a string of popular hits such as "Buscando Tus Besos," "Dame Veneno," "Enamorado De Ella," and "Hazme Olvidarla."
Over his career, Pérez earned numerous accolades, including the Casandra Awards for "Orchestra of the Year" and "Merengue of the Year," as well as Globo awards for "Best Song" and "Album of the Year."
Jet Set accident mourn Dominican Republic
At least 67 people have died and over 140 others were hospitalized following a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early Tuesday. Emergency teams continue to search through the rubble for survivors, according to Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Center of Emergency Operations. The search effort involves specialized canine units to reach critical and hard-to-access areas, though the exact cause of the roof collapse is still unclear.
The Jet Set nightclub expressed deep sorrow for the incident, offering support to the authorities and pledging full cooperation as they work to understand what happened. The nightclub's statement conveyed the profound pain felt by those connected to the venue and all Dominicans affected by the tragedy. Dominican President Luis Abinader assured the public that rescue agencies were working tirelessly to help those affected by the disaster.
Among the victims were Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, who tragically passed away after calling for help shortly before the collapse. Also among the deceased were retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof came down. The incident has left the community in shock, as many continue to wait for news of their loved ones and hope for more survivors to be found.