Federal Hill business owner among those killed at Dominican Republic nightclub collapse
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Federal Hill business owner was amongst those killed when a nightclub roof collapsed in the Dominican Republic.
The Federal Hill Commerce Association said that Fray Luis Rosario operated Terra Luna Cafe, which opened in 2022, and Terra Negra Cantina, which opened in 2023, and also purchased both buildings where the businesses are located recently.
It is with great sadness that we confirm that Federal Hill has lost one of our beloved restauranteurs at the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse incident in Santo Domingo. Fray Luis Rosario has operated two well known establishments Terra Luna Cafe and Terra Negra Cantina as well as… pic.twitter.com/xWEMS0WJPq
— Federal Hill RI (@FederalHillRI) April 9, 2025
He was also an active member of the association.
“Fray was really an amazing guy,” association President Rick Simone said. “He had one of the best senses of humor that I think I’ve ever encountered in an individual. He was an active, active member for us on Federal Hill and [had] a really great entrepreneurial spirit to him.”
Mayor Brett Smiley said that the city was saddened by the “tragic incident.”
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, which resulted in the loss of over 120 lives, including Fray Luis Rosario, a business owner here in Providence. As Providence’s sister city, Santo Domingo holds a special place in our hearts,…
— Mayor Brett Smiley (@PVDMayor) April 9, 2025
“As Providence’s sister city, Santo Domingo holds a special place in our hearts, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones impacted by this devastating event,” the mayor said. “We stand in solidarity with the Dominican Republic during this difficult time.”
