N.Y. Man, 25, Who Had Plans to Propose to His Girlfriend, Was Shot and Killed While in Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny Concert

A tragic incident unfolded in Puerto Rico as a 25-year-old man from New York, Kevin Mares, lost his life while attending a Bad Bunny concert. Kevin, who was visiting the island with a group of friends, was caught in the crossfire of a dispute between two individuals in the San Juan neighborhood of La Perla. The altercation escalated when one of the parties involved brandished a firearm, resulting in Kevin being shot in the left side of his abdomen. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Kevin succumbed to his injuries.

Officials believe that Kevin was an innocent bystander in the violent encounter, which also left two local residents injured. The motive behind the altercation remains unclear as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting. The New York native, along with his friends, had travelled to Puerto Rico to attend one of Bad Bunny’s 30 residency concerts, a popular event drawing thousands of fans from near and far.

The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and Kevin’s loved ones back in New York, who fondly remember him as a cherished son and a loyal friend. Described as someone with a kind heart, a thirst for adventure, and a strong sense of family values, Kevin was set to propose to his girlfriend of six years later in the year. His family has been left devastated by his untimely passing, creating an irreplaceable void in their lives.

La Perla, where the unfortunate shooting took place, is situated in the historic district of Old San Juan and has seen a transformation in recent years from a once-violent area to a more tourist-friendly destination. The neighbourhood, once avoided by law enforcement due to its reputation, has seen an increase in tourist footfall following federal interventions in 2011. Despite the progress made, the recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the lingering challenges that persist.

Bad Bunny’s ongoing residency concerts, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here), continue to draw crowds to the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan. The musical extravaganza, set to run until mid-September, has been shadowed by the tragic events surrounding Kevin’s untimely death. The music industry mourns the loss of a young life, cut short in a senseless act of violence.

A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has been initiated by Kevin’s family to help cover the expenses of repatriating his body to New York and arranging a funeral service. The outpouring of support from well-wishers has been overwhelming, with donations exceeding $14,000 in a heartfelt display of solidarity with the grieving family. As they come to terms with their profound loss, Kevin’s family remains united in their grief, holding onto cherished memories of a young man taken too soon.

The tragic demise of Kevin Mares in Puerto Rico serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, where a night of celebration can quickly turn into a scene of tragedy. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the community mourns the loss of a promising young individual whose dreams were cut short in a senseless act of violence. The need for peace and understanding resonates strongly in the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, urging us all to cherish each moment with our loved ones and strive for a more harmonious world.