New York tourist Kevin Mares, 25, fatally shot in Puerto Rico amid trip to see Bad Bunny — girlfriend shares heartbreaking tribute
US tourist shot dead at 25: Details of shooting incident
According to New York Post, the shooting occurred in the predawn hours at a nightspot called 'Shelter for Mistreated Men'. The violence started when an argument broke out between several people nearby, and one individual pulled out a gun, firing at least three shots.
Kevin Mares was hit twice—in his left abdomen and side—and was rushed to Puerto Rico's largest public hospital, where he later died. Two local men from La Perla were also wounded and remain hospitalised. Police currently have very little information about the shooter, who remains at large.
La Perla's troubled history and persistent crime challenges
La Perla, home to a few hundred residents, has long been associated with crime, once serving as Puerto Rico's largest heroin distribution point. For years, it was so dangerous that police avoided the community, which even displayed signs warning visitors not to enter. Although a major federal raid in 2011 arrested dozens of criminals and reduced violence temporarily, the area still struggles with safety. Earlier in 2024, a tourist was murdered and set on fire in La Perla after a drug deal, highlighting the ongoing risks. This latest shooting has reignited concerns about security in the neighbourhood, especially for tourists.
Kevin Mares' family launches GoFundMe to bring his body back home
Kevin Mares' loved ones described him as 'a deeply loved son, a devoted friend, and a source of inspiration to everyone who knew him.' They launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the expenses of bringing his body back home to New York. The fundraising page highlighted Kevin's 'wholehearted kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to family,' calling him 'a pillar of strength for his loved ones.' His family shared that Kevin had been planning to propose to his girlfriend of six years in the fall, a future now tragically cut short.
Kevin's girlfriend pays a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram..
Kevin had been planning to propose to his girlfriend of six years during their trip to Puerto Rico, a dream they both eagerly anticipated. After his tragic death, his girlfriend shared her heartbreak on Instagram, writing, 'I love you,, my angel,' with a broken heart emoji.
In another post, she said, 'My love,, I love you.. I miss you so much. why did God take him away from me? ' She also asked for support to cover expenses in her Instagram story, stating, 'I would never ask for this, but we need help to bring the love of my life back home to New York.'
Her words poignantly express the deep love, loss, and the plans that will now never come to fruition, underscoring the tragic impact of Kevin's death on those closest to him.
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