A visit to see Bad Bunny carry out in Puerto Rico led to 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 nearly a yr along with his girlfriend and buddies, constructing the journey across the reggaeton celebrity’s live performance in San Juan.

Mares’ mom, Sandra, confirmed his dying by means of a translator and stated the group received’t attend the present. She final heard from her son hours earlier than the capturing when he despatched her a video from a pool celebration in La Perla. Mares additionally posted clips to his Instagram Story exhibiting the full of life scene and ocean views from his lodge room, clearly having fun with the island he’d lengthy dreamed of visiting.

Local information studies say Mares was probably an harmless bystander when a combat broke out at a late-night spot referred to as Shelter for Mistreated Men. Witnesses advised reporters that somebody pulled a gun throughout the argument, firing pictures that struck Mares within the stomach and aspect. He was pronounced useless on the scene. The shooter has not been caught, and police are nonetheless investigating.

Sandra described her son as a loving and devoted household man with a ardour for gardening, cooking, and caring for animals. He was finding out veterinary science at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, working towards a future devoted to serving to others.

The capturing has solid a darkish cloud over a weekend meant to have a good time Puerto Rican tradition and music. Thousands had been anticipated to pack Bad Bunny’s exhibits, however for Mares’ household, the journey’s which means has shifted to grief. Sandra stated she hopes the Grammy-winning artist will dedicate a second in his live performance to honor her son.

Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to assist deliver Mares’ physique residence to New York for burial. Friends and family members have been flooding the web page with tributes, remembering his humor, generosity, and fierce loyalty.

For his household, the loss is made even more durable by the senselessness of the act. Sandra stated her son got here to Puerto Rico for music, reminiscences, and pleasure—to not lose his life in one other particular person’s dispute. What ought to have been a celebration has as a substitute change into a name for justice and remembrance.