What happened to Rubby Pérez? Merengue artist hospitalized after club roof collapses in Dominican Republic

Famed merengue artist Rubby Pérez has been hospitalized following a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital early Tuesday morning, April 8. According to official reports, the incident took place during Pérez’s live performance, leaving around 50 people dead and over 150 others injured.

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Celebrations Gone Wrong

Reports suggest that the 69-year-old singer, who is best remembered for songs like “Tu Vas a Volar”, “Enamorado de Ella,” and “15,500 Noches,” was still performing when the roof started caving in. Eyewitnesses claim that everything shifted in seconds after the roof collapsed mid-performance.

Rubby's daughter, Zulinka Pérez, who had also doubled as one of the back-up singers during the concert, stated to the local media that,

“He’s hospitalized, he’s inside, and we hope to God that he recovers soon.”

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“He Started Singing So They Could Find Him”— Zulinka Pérez

Zulinka provided insights into the moments that ensued right after the show. “They found him singing,” she said. “He started singing so they could hear him.”

She added that her father had long told her,

“If something ever happens to me, cover me so no one takes pictures.”

Zulinka revealed that her spouse, who was also there with her as a backup singer, had shielded her from the debris that had started to fall. She noted:

“My husband covered me, threw himself on top of me, and he got trapped. He told me, ‘Get out quickly.’”

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Musicians Injured, One Confirmed to be Dead

Although Rubby Pérez is still alive and recuperating at the Plaza de la Salud hospital, others in the band are in critical condition.

“The bass player is in critical condition — I think he had surgery in the hospital,” Zulinka said. “And one of the saxophone players is dead.”

While investigations are going on, the reason for the roof collapse is yet to be determined by the authorities. Structural engineers and emergency responders are still evaluating the site.

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Pérez’s Career and Upcoming U.S. Tour

Two months prior to the incident, Pérez released a single, “No Voy a Llorar” on Valentine’s Day. He also announced a tour across the U.S. starting in May, with one of the most awaited performances being on July 18 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

As his family and loyal fans await the updates on his health, it is still unknown how this incident will impact the tour schedule.

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Outpouring of Support

Once the tragedy had taken place, calls and accolades started coming in from all over social media and from the Latin music industry and fans globally. Pérez, who has gained popularity through his love for music as well as his willpower to live. His is beingpraised once again, this time for having the temerity to use his voice in the most critical moment to survive.

Rescue and recovery operations at the Jet Set venue are still ongoing. Further information are expected to come out in the next few days.