A woman of New Jersey who celebrates her 24th birthday has been confirmed as one of the dead in the tragic collapse of the ceiling in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic that killed 225.
Jennifer Contreras’ body, or Passaic, was taken from the debris of the Jet Set night club in Santo Domingo on Wednesday night, his sister, Luz Contreras told NJ.com.
Contreras had stayed in the Dominican Republic working on the certification of microspectation of eyebrows to be able to work in his nail room, Luzibeauty, in New Jersey.
On April 8, he went out with friends to celebrate his next birthday at the Jet Set nightclub when the tragedy occurred.
Luz said that her younger sister wanted her to make a trip to the island to celebrate, but that she could not finally get out of work.
“Everyone knew, everyone who knows us, knew, she was my best friend, my partner in the crime, we always did something together,” Luz told The Outlet.
“She wanted her to go with her on this trip, but I couldn’t cancel with my customers.”
A crowdfunding page established by the Contreras family declared that it aspired to start their own beauty business after obtaining the certification of eyebrow microspectation for the eyes.
“Jennifer was the most heart, loving and soft of the children. She was an incredible daughter, sister, friend, cousin and more,” his brother, Anthony Contreras wrote.
His family shared that they are raising money to bring their body back to the United States for a funeral.
“Because Jennifer’s remains are found in the Dominican Republic, the financial burden of logistics, morgue services in both countries and funeral services here in the United States have already stress our family,” Contreras. “We ask you to pray and praise my sister and our family at this time.”
Another victim of New Jersey, Antonia Ignacio Douglas, was also killed in the deadly collapse, wrote the mayor of the city of Perth Amboy, Helmin Caba, on Facebook on Friday.
“We have received confirmation that one of our own residents, Antonia Ignacio Douglas, affectionately known as Violeta, was one of those who lost their lives.”
“For Violeta’s family, I sacrifice, not only as your mayor but as your neighbor, my deepest and personal pain. Your city cries with you. We recognize the weight of your wholesale sale, and we are committed to walking to navigate this.
Ignacio Douglas was on vacation in the Dominican Republic when he died in the collapse of the roof of the nightclub, according to a crowdfunding page initiated by his mother, Jariel Ignacio.
“Violeta was full of joy, love and light, really the best mother we could ask for,” his mother wrote. “She was also a loving friend, aunt, grandmother and sister who touched the lives of all those around her.”
A vigil to remember both Contreras and Ignacio Douglas was a hero at a restaurant in Jersey City Sunday at night, according to the new 12 New Jersey.
The tragedy in the Jet Set nightclub left at least 225 dead, including former main players Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel.
Dotel was a former METS prospect who won a World Series ring with the San Luis cardinals in 2011.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the province of Montecristi and the sister of former Major Leagues Nelson Cruz, was also murdered.
An art merchant based in New York City, Elivira Malkic, and her husband, Hakim Boubazine, were also killed when the roof of the nightclub lowered the performance of the popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
Pérez was also killed in the tragedy.
An investigation on what captivated the roof of the nightclub to collapse is ongoing. The owner Antonio Espaillat returned to Santo Domingo for “cooperation with the authorities” when investigating the disaster.