NYC mourns victims of Dominican nightclub collapse
In the wake of the catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo that claimed over 200 lives, New York City's Dominican community has united in mourning and support for the grieving families. Vigils held in Washington Heights and Plaza de las Américas brought together residents—many with deep cultural ties to the Dominican Republic—to pay tribute through prayers, songs, and symbolic displays of unity under the Dominican flag. New York Attorney General Letitia James and local leaders attended these memorials, underscoring the strong bond tying New York to the Caribbean nation.
Notable victims have been identified among the deceased. Among them were Elvira Malkic, co-owner of Manhattan’s Elity Art Gallery, and her husband, Hakim Boubazine, a former Altice USA executive, who were celebrating a birthday at the nightclub. The tragedy also claimed the lives of public figures such as former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as merengue singer Rubby Pérez, further amplifying the personal and cultural loss felt by the community.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to travel to the Dominican Republic to extend condolences and demonstrate solidarity with the affected communities. He will be joined by NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, a native of the Dominican Republic, reinforcing the city's commitment to its Dominican residents. This planned visit is seen as a significant gesture of support and a reminder of the deep familial, cultural, and historical connections shared between New York and the Dominican Republic.
As investigations continue into the cause of the collapse, the collective grief and strong communal ties have resonated across borders, uniting the diaspora in shared sorrow and mutual support during this unprecedented tragedy.
