Legendary musician Rubby Pérez killed in Dominican Republic collapse days after performing in NYC
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- Legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez is among those killed in the tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.
He was on the stage when the roof caved in early Tuesday morning and is confirmed to be among the over 100 people killed.
The vocalist has ties to New York not only because of the large Dominican population -- but he had just performed in Washington Heights a few days ago.
Pérez performed last Friday at La Nueva Espana and those who were there told Eyewitness News on Wednesday that his energy that night was electric.
Now candles and a memorial are set up outside the club in Washington Heights.
"It was spectacular, it was a great night, everyone was so excited, so emotional, everyone was toasting and celebrating, there was champagne," Luis Pichardo said. "At the end of the night he told us he was heading down to Santo Domingo to perform at Jet Set, he wanted all his fans to come down and see him."
Pérez's team took to social media on Wednesday to release an official statement:
"It is with deep sorrow that we inform the passing our beloved Rubby Pérez. We sincerely appreciate all the love, support and solidarity we have received at this difficult time from family, friends and supporters. His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts"
Pérez rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Wilfrido Vargas Orchestra before embarking on a solo career in the 1980s. He won multiple awards and had a decorated career with several beloved songs and was an ambassador for merengue.
Also among the dead is former Mets and Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel, ex-big leaguer Tony Blanco and fashion designer Martin Polanco.
Two vigils were held in the Tri-State area for the victims on Wednesday night, including one in Paterson, New Jersey, that was held at the city's monument to Dominican heritage.
"The Dominican diaspora right now is in total mourning," said Victor Urbaez of Dominican American Political Force NJ.
The Dominican community in Paterson, the largest in the state, prayed and thought of happier times with Perez, who -- like in New York City -- regularly performed in the area, most recently in Passaic.
"One time there was a club that I went to and there were people that didn't have no money. And I will never forget, he went outside, he said, 'let them all in. I don't need the money. I just want their support.' That's humble, in my eyes," said Paterson resident Eva Razzak.
Paterson's Council President Alex Mendez considered Polanco a dear friend.
"He was in my office a few days ago," Mendez said. "Rubby Perez, the singer, I gave him the city button two weeks ago when he was here. We lost a lot of great people, a lot of great people. It's beyond imagination."
In Washington Heights, a vigil was held at the church of St. Elizabeth, which offered prayers for those still hoping for answers, and struggling with the loss.
Radio station La Mega had listeners calling in and sharing stories. The stories, the music, and displays of support are all helping ease the pain.
Back in Santo Domingo, the search continues for survivors the Dominican community in the Tri-State continues to mourn the shocking loss of life.
"We're hoping that this message is resounded, it travels to the Dominican Republic and they see the love," Urbaez said.
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