A trip to see Bad Bunny perform in Puerto Rico ended in tragedy for 25-year-old Kevin Mares, who was shot and killed early Sunday. According to multiple outlets, the New York native had been planning the getaway for almost a year with his girlfriend and friends, building the trip around the reggaeton superstar’s concert in San Juan.
Mares’ mother, Sandra, confirmed his death through a translator and said the group won’t attend the show. She last heard from her son hours before the shooting when he sent her a video from a pool party in La Perla. Mares also posted clips to his Instagram Story showing the lively scene and ocean views from his hotel room, clearly enjoying the island he’d long dreamed of visiting.
Local news reports say Mares was likely an innocent bystander when a fight broke out at a late-night spot called Shelter for Mistreated Men. Witnesses told reporters that someone pulled a gun during the argument, firing shots that struck Mares in the abdomen and side. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter has not been caught, and police are still investigating.
Sandra described her son as a loving and dedicated family man with a passion for gardening, cooking, and caring for animals. He was studying veterinary science at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, working toward a future dedicated to helping others.
The shooting has cast a dark cloud over a weekend meant to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and music. Thousands were expected to pack Bad Bunny’s shows, but for Mares’ family, the trip’s meaning has shifted to grief. Sandra said she hopes the Grammy-winning artist will dedicate a moment in his concert to honor her son.
Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to help bring Mares’ body home to New York for burial. Friends and relatives have been flooding the page with tributes, remembering his humor, generosity, and fierce loyalty.
For his family, the loss is made even harder by the senselessness of the act. Sandra said her son came to Puerto Rico for music, memories, and joy—not to lose his life in another person’s dispute. What should have been a celebration has instead become a call for justice and remembrance.
Leave a Reply