NJ woman celebrating birthday killed in Dominican Republic roof collapse
Editor's note: The above video originally aired on April 11.
PASSAIC COUNTY, N.J. (PIX11) – A 24-year-old woman from New Jersey is among the victims killed in the Jet Set Night Club roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, according to Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
In a social media post, Gottheimer confirmed the death of Jennifer Contreras from Passaic County, who was celebrating her upcoming birthday in the Dominican Republic as well as working to complete a certification class to start a beauty business.
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'My heart goes out to her loved ones and I stand united in mourning with the Dominican community—both here and abroad,' Gottheimer said in the post.
Contreras would have celebrated her birthday on April 9, according to her Facebook page, just one day after the roof collapsed at Jet Set Night Club.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Organizers of the Peruvian Parade in New Jersey, for whom Contreras served as Youth Queen in 2016, also shared news of her passing on Facebook.
'She filled us with pride and inspiration, and she will always be remembered for her warmth, her spirit, and the positive impact she left during her reign and beyond,' the Facebook post read.
Contreras' family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for transporting her remains back to the United States, mortuary services in both countries, and funeral services.
Contreras' sister described her 'as the most kind hearted, loving, and soft person' as well as 'an incredible daughter, sister, friend, cousin, and more.'
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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