A New Jersey woman celebrating her 24th birthday has been confirmed as one of the dead in the tragic roof collapse at a Dominican Republic nightclub that killed 225.
The body of Jennifer Contreras, of Passaic, was pulled from the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo on Wednesday night, her sister, Luz Contreras, told NJ.com.
Contreras had been staying in the Dominican Republic working on her eyebrow micropigmentation certification so she could work at her nail salon, LuziBeauty, in New Jersey.
On April 8, she went out with friends to celebrate her upcoming birthday at the Jet Set nightclub when the tragedy happened.
Luz said her younger sister wanted her to take a trip to the Island to celebrate, but was ultimately unable to get off work.
“Everybody knew, everybody who knows us, knew, she was my best friend, my partner in crime, we always did everything together,” Luz told the outlet.
“She wanted me to go with her on this trip, but I couldn’t cancel on my clients.”
A crowdfunding page set up by Contreras’s family stated that she aspired to start her own beauty business after obtaining her eyebrow micropigmentation certification.
“Jennifer was the most kind hearted, loving, and soft person. She was an incredible daughter, sister, friend, cousin, and more,” her brother, Anthony Contreras, wrote.
Her family shared that they are raising money to bring her body back to the US for a funeral service.
“Because Jennifer’s remains are in the Dominican Republic the financial burden of the logistics, mortuary services in both countries, and funeral services here in United states has put a stress on us and our family in this difficult time,” Contreras added. “We ask that you pray and praise for my sister and our family at this time.”
Another victim from New Jersey, Antonia Ignacio Douglas, was also killed in the deadly collapse, the City of Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba wrote on Facebook Friday.
“We have received confirmation that one of our own residents, Antonia Ignacio Douglas, affectionately known as Violeta, was among those who lost their lives.”
“To Violeta’s family, I offer—not only as your mayor but as your neighbor—my deepest and most personal sorrow. Your city mourns with you. We recognize the weight of your grief, and we are committed to walking beside you as you navigate this immense loss,” Caba added.
Ignacio Douglas was on vacation in the Dominican Republic when she died in the nightclub roof collapse, according to a crowdfunding page started by her mother, Jariel Ignacio.
“Violeta was full of joy, love, and light, truly the best mom we could’ve asked for,” her mother wrote. “She was also a loving friend, aunt, grandmother, and sister who touched the lives of everyone around her.”
A vigil to remember both Contreras and Ignacio Douglas was held at a restaurant in Jersey City Sunday night, according to New 12 New Jersey.
The tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub left at least 225 dead — including former major leaguers Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel.
Dotel was a former Mets prospect who went on to win a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
Also killed was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and the sister of former major league slugger Nelson Cruz.
A New York City-based art dealer, Elivira Malkic, and her husband, Hakim Boubazine, were also killed when the nightclub’s rooftop came down during popular merengue singer Rubby Perez’s performance.
Pérez was also killed in the tragedy.
An investigation into what caused the nightclub’s roof to collapse is ongoing. Owner Antonio Espaillat returned to Santo Domingo to “cooperate with the authorities” in probing the disaster.
