Senate Resolution No. 1859
BY: Senator SEPULVEDA
COMMEMORATING April 8, 2026, as the One-Year
Anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the
Dominican Republic, and paying tribute to the many
lives lost and injured in the incident
WHEREAS, The Dominican American community significantly contributes
to the culture, strength, economy, and vitality of New York State; the
Dominican American community was deeply shocked and profoundly impacted
by the tragedy that occurred on April 8, 2025; and
WHEREAS, On April 8, 2025, in the City of Santo Domingo in the
Dominican Republican, the Jet Set nightclub tragically became the site
of one of the deadliest accidents in the nation's history, claiming the
lives of 236 individuals and injuring more than 180 others; and
WHEREAS, In solidarity with the Dominican American community, this
Legislative Body is justly proud to take time to commemorate April 8,
2026, as the One-Year Anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in
the Dominican Republic, and to pay tribute to the many lives lost and
injured in the incident; and
WHEREAS, On April 8, 2025, at approximately 12:34 AM, the roof of
the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a concert, resulting in hundreds
of deaths and injuries to nightclub attendees, concertgoers,
politicians, musicians, employees, staff members-all of whom were loved
and cherished members of their communities, families, and friends; and
WHEREAS, The Jet Set night club was renowned for its night events
and attracting distinguished guests and prominent attendees; an eminent
merengue singer, Rubby Perez, who once performed at the United Palace
Theatre in Washington Heights, also known as the center of the Dominican
diaspora in New York City, lost his life in this heartbreaking tragedy
at the Jet Set nightclub; he inspired millions of people through his
extraordinary voice and remains deeply missed; and
WHEREAS, The tragedy also took the lives of two legendary baseball
players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco; between 1999 and 2013, Octavio
Dotel played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball where he was a hope and
role model for myriad baseball fans, including in the U.S. and Dominican
Republic; in 2005, Tony Blanco played 56 games for the Washington
Nationals in Major League Baseball, and was renowned for his competence,
spirit, and commitment to sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, This difficult night in history marks a great loss for
humanity, the arts, athletics, and more, with every individual life lost
leaving an immeasurable wound in the hearts of the families, friends,
fans, and loved ones of those who passed; and
WHEREAS, In such a time of grief and loss, it is necessary and
proper to remember those who lost their lives in such a tragic and
untimely manner, and to honor and thank those dedicated heroes who
responded quickly in the face of such a disastrous scene, assisting in
the rescue efforts and recovery of those trapped in the collapsed
structure; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes and solemnly honors the
memory of the victims of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, reaffirming its
commitment to the remembrance of those who lost their lives and were
injured in the event; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate April 8, 2026, as the One-Year Anniversary of the Jet Set
nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, and paying tribute to the
many lives lost and injured in the incident.
