New Yorkers hold vigil following fatal roof collapse in the Dominican Republic
The group stood shoulder to shoulder as they sang the Dominican national anthem and held the flag.
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Dozens of people gathered for a vigil in Washington Heights on Tuesday, as recovery efforts continued following a fatal roof collapse in the Dominican Republic capital.
As of Tuesday night, the collapse killed at least 79 people and injured 160.
The group stood shoulder to shoulder as they sang the Dominican national anthem and held the flag.
“The Dominican community right now is very saddened,” said Sammy Ravelo, president of the Dominican Veterans of America.
“We’re here united, as Dominicans that we are, to support the Dominican community,” said Shery Olivo, of Claremont.
The Washington Heights neighborhood, known as Little Dominican Republic, is the epicenter of the D.R.’s community in the U.S.
“One out of every eight New Yorkers is Dominican, so New York is in mourning,” Ravelo said.
Among the reported victims was Octavio Dotel, a former Mets and Yankees pitcher, and Rubby Perez, a well-known merengue singer who would visit New York frequently.
Concert flyers were still posted near the vigil that showed Perez was in Washington Heights on April 4.
The community said Perez not only had a deep connection with the neighborhood but to Dominicans across the city.
“He was such a great person, such a great personality,” said Frank Lopez, of Wakefield. “He had such a connection with the Bronx and the community that he served in the Dominican community.”
Mourners sang Perez’s songs with heavy hearts, hoping for survivors as recovery efforts continue.
