In a heart-wrenching revelation following the tragic death of merengue icon Rabi Pérez just a week ago, his girlfriend, Lady Altagracia Rosario, shared a devastating truth that has sent shockwaves through the music community. Rabi, known as the “voice of merengue,” lost his life during a catastrophic ceiling collapse at the Jetset nightclub in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025, which claimed more than 220 lives and left a nation in mourning.
Lady Rosario, who had recently captured Rabi’s heart, disclosed in a poignant video that his fateful decision to perform that night stemmed from his desire to be with her. Zulinka, Rabi’s daughter, confirmed that he had altered his performance schedule to travel to Houston to spend time with Lady, ultimately leading him to the venue at the moment of the disaster. This revelation has sparked a flurry of emotions, as fans grapple with the painful intersection of love and tragedy.
As the music world remembers Rabi’s legacy, his vibrant performances and philanthropic efforts, including aiding earthquake victims in Haiti, are now coupled with the haunting question of what could have been. The Dominican government has declared three days of national mourning, while artists like Juan Luis Guerra pay tribute to a beloved figure who transcended music to become a cultural symbol.
The collapse at Jetset has ignited urgent calls for accountability, with families of the victims demanding justice and answers as investigations into potential structural failures continue. The lack of clarity regarding safety protocols at public venues raises critical concerns about the protection of concertgoers.
Rabi Pérez’s death is not just a loss for his family and fans but a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Lady, now grappling with her profound grief, embodies the heartache of unfulfilled love and unanticipated loss. As the world reflects on Rabi’s impact, we are left to ponder how to honor his memory while demanding better safety measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The question remains: how can we ensure that the legacy of Rabi Pérez and the lives lost at Jetset are never forgotten?