Deadly nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic hits home for Washington Heights community
'This is going to be a big loss,' said Isidro Medina of the Washington Heights Business Improvement District.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- As emergency crews continue to search through the rubble after a roof collapsed at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, the unfolding tragedy in the Dominican Republic is unquestionably the main topic of conversation in Washington Heights, from restaurants to the streets of Upper Manhattan.
A vigil was held Tuesday night outside United Palace Theater as Dominicans came together over the tragedy back home.
Before launching into the Dominican National Anthem while cradling a massive flag, members of the community said, "let's make sure they can hear us... all the way in the DR."
"You are not alone. We have each other," said Elida Almonte of Alianza Dominicana.
The tragedy of the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse, which has claimed the lives of at least 79 people, and left more than 150 people injured, has New York's Dominican diaspora reeling.
"It's sad because up to now, they can't find all the bodies," said Washington Heights resident Lesley Lloy.
"Everybody's sad because right now this is a tragedy to our Dominican community," said Washington Heights resident Eduardo Luna.
Luna visited the nightclub last year, a popular destination for Dominicans when visiting their home country.
Fans are also thinking of Merengue legend Rubby Perez, who was on stage the moment the roof came crashing down, and is still missing.
"Rubby was not just any artist. He was a man of the people. He put his talent to the service of our people," Almonte said.
"Even at the last moment, when he was in the rubble, he was singing, so they would be able to find him and take him alive. When I heard that, I broke in tears," said Rubby Perez fan Frank Lopez.
The 69-year-old Perez is no stranger to New York. He's performed everywhere from La Casa Del Mofongo to car-free day street fairs
Perez just performed in Inwood last week.
Fan Juana Veras, who was there, says she's always loved him, saying his music was wholesome and from the heart.
Perez once sang the Dominican National Anthem before a Caribbean Series game held at Citi Field, where on Tuesday night, the Mets honored a former teammate confirmed dead.
Octavio Dotel, a relief pitcher who played for both the Mets and Yankees, was among the people killed at Jet Set. Both teams posted to social media Tuesday, mourning his passing.
Almonte said Jet Set was a "beautiful place where most of us have been together. Laughing, singing."
"It never felt unsafe. Everybody knew it was a classic club. It was one of the most classic clubs in Santo Domingo. That was part of its charm," said Raul Acosta of the merengue band Oro Sólido.
Acosta played there regularly with his band.
The devastating images of the rescue and recovery, and the chilling moments leading up to the collapse showing pieces of the ceiling falling are haunting those with happy memories there, and loved ones among those impacted.
"I hope there was no kind of foul play of any kind," Acosta said. "And I also hope that all the investigations are done to make sure this never happens again."
Among the others confirmed dead were a provincial governor who was the sister of former MLB all-star Nelson Cruz, former major leaguer Tony Blanco and dozens of people enjoying the music.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat says he's gotten calls from as far as Massachusetts from people worried about loved ones.
"Much more needs to happen, and we're hopeful that they will be found alive, that rescue teams will get to them sooner rather than later," Espaillat said.
On Tuesday night in Upper Manhattan, there was sorrow, solidarity and hope for any good news from the search in Santo Domingo.
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