Man from New York dies due to gunfire during Puerto Rico visit for Bad Bunny concert performance.
In the heart of Puerto Rico, a tragic incident has occurred, serving as a stark reminder of the persisting risks in certain areas, even during major tourist events. On a fateful night in February 2023, 25-year-old Kevin Mares, a U.S. tourist, was fatally shot at a popular nightspot in La Perla, Puerto Rico, during Bad Bunny's residency concert titled No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí.
Mares, who was an innocent bystander, was with three other friends, enjoying the music and atmosphere of the event. His girlfriend, who was with him in Puerto Rico, stayed at the hotel while he and his companions ventured out for the night.
The shooting took place after several people began arguing, and one pulled out a gun, shooting at least three people. Mares was shot on the left side of his abdomen and later died at a local hospital.
Kevin Mares was more than just a tourist; he was a deeply loved son, devoted friend, and a source of inspiration to everyone who knew him. His father, Hector, started a GoFundMe to help "honor Kevin's memory and give him the farewell he deserves." The family is now faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing Kevin home, with significant expenses to transfer his body from Puerto Rico to New York, as well as funeral and memorial costs at Frederick Funeral Home.
The GoFundMe post has raised more than US$31,000 of its goal of $50,000 from 489 donations as of Monday afternoon. Mares' father wrote in the GoFundMe description that Mares had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall. Kevin also had dreams of becoming a veterinarian, a testament to his love for animals.
La Perla, where the shooting occurred, has a historical reputation for crime, drug trafficking, and violence. Although federal raids and local efforts since 2011 have improved safety, isolated violent crimes continue to happen, including recent cases of tourists being stabbed or murdered. In April 2024, a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire after police said he and a friend were attacked following a drug purchase.
Local and travel sources strongly advise tourists to avoid La Perla, despite its cultural exposure through music videos and celebrity philanthropy. Visitors are warned not to enter, avoid buying drugs, and respect locals’ warnings about photography. San Juan overall is considered safe if tourists use common sense, stay in well-known areas, avoid unlit or impoverished neighborhoods after dark, and remain aware of their surroundings. However, La Perla stands out as an exception where caution is particularly warranted.
While some improvements exist, La Perla is still not safe for casual tourist visits, especially at night or during big events when crowds might encourage riskier situations. Travelers attending concerts like Bad Bunny’s should avoid going into La Perla to ensure their safety. The shooting at La Perla serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing risks in certain areas of Puerto Rico, and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Although La Perla has historically been known for its exposure in general-news campaigns, such as music videos and celebrity philanthropy, crime-and-justice incidents, like the fatal shooting of Kevin Mares during Bad Bunny's residency concert, underscore the need for visitors to exercise caution, especially during big events.
- Regardless of its cultural significance, the sports event atmosphere in La Perla, unfortunately, continues to be marred by crime incidents, as evidenced by the shooting of 25-year-old Kevin Mares in February 2023, which serves as a reminder for travelers to prioritize safety over casual exploration, particularly in marginalized areas like La Perla.
