Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez has died Tuesday afternoon (April 8) after 5pm E.T., following a tragic incident where he was trapped in the rubble of a nightclub in Santo Domingo whose roof collapsed in the early hours of the morning, confirmed Listín Diario, a Dominican newspaper. The artist was 69 years old.
Billboard Español reached out to Pérez’s two managers. Following the news, Perez’s Instagram profile picture was changed to a black image.
Pérez’s death follows the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof in Santo Domingo, where he was performing early Monday morning. The incident has claimed the lives of at least 60 people and injured more than 160, according to AP News.
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” — which latter hit reached No. 29 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart — he became an international ambassador for merengue, earning accolades and respect throughout Latin America and beyond.
Rubby Pérez’s saxophone player also died in the collapse.
On Valentine’s Day, Pérez released his last single, “No Voy a Llorar,” and announced several concerts in the U.S. beginning in May, including one scheduled for July 18 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The singer was known as “The highest voice of merengue.”
Rescue operations at the site of the nightclub collapse are ongoing.
Officials urge anyone seeking updates on missing loved ones to contact the Center of Emergency Operations in Santo Domingo.
