Who was Martin Polanco? Dominican designer reportedly dies after Jet Set ceiling collapses in Dominican Republic

Martin Polanco is among the casualties after the recent ceiling collapse at Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s Santo Domingo. According to NBC News, sources confirmed his death to Telemundo 47.

The Instagram handle of the entertainment show El Gordo y la Flaca also posted about Polanco’s death. The post mentioned Martin with the late singer Rubby Pérez, who also lost his life after the Jet Set ceiling collapse (translated from Spanish):

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the singer Rubby Perez and the designer Martín Polanco after the death of both were confirmed in the tragic collapse of the disco in #RepublicaDominicana”

Martin Polanco was a fashion designer based in New York. According to Fashion Night on Brickell, the Dominican designer started working with his family in 1994. Martin worked for four years under the family brand, Los Hermanos Polanco.

Per his LinkedIn profile, Martin Polanco has worked as a designer in New York since 1992. At the same time, Fashion Night on Brickell mentions that Polanco launched his first collection under his label in 1998. He was also known for styling the news program of Univision New York.

Polanco also worked with the likes of Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Ángela Ponce, according to Fashion Night on Brickell. Martin Polanco was also the CEO of his luxury brand, MP. His business is focused on styling and luxury fashion.

Martin Polanco, Rubby Pérez, and many more died in a ceiling collapse in the Dominican Republic

Many high-profile personalities were attending a merengue concert at the nightclub in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed at the venue. The authorities confirmed that the incident claimed 98 lives, while hundreds were injured, according to USA Today.

Per LA Times, the disaster happened minutes after Rubby Pérez started performing on the stage of Jet Set club. Pérez was among the many known personalities who died after the ceiling collapse.

According to NBC New York, Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi Province and MLB pro Nelson Cruz’s sister, also lost her life at the venue. The Dominican Professional Baseball League player and former NY Mets member, Octavio Dotel, also passed away after initially being reported as injured. NBC New York also reported the death of another ex-MLB player, Tony Blanco.

Antonio Espaillat, a representative of the Jet Set family, posted a video of his statement after the disaster, expressing his support for the impacted families. He said (translated from Spanish):

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“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you, that we share your anguish from the very beginning, and that we have been cooperating fully and transparently with the authorities.”

Espaillat confirmed that the Jet Set team is in “constant communication” with the authorities amidst the rescue efforts.

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