Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives

A devastating incident at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left a community in mourning.On April 8, the nightclubS roof collapsed during a crowded performance, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The search for victims has concluded, with authorities confirming 221 fatalities.

Sheila Berroa: An Ottawa Connection

Among those who perished was 24-year-old Sheila Berroa, a Dominican citizen with strong ties to Ottawa. Ms. Berroa had resided in Ottawa as 2018, joining her family and building a life in the Canadian capital.

• Education: Studied business at Algonquin College.
• Profession: Recently managed a Planet Fitness location.
• Community Involvement: Actively volunteered at her local church, working with children.

A Brother’s Heartbreak

Franclin Berroa, Sheila’s brother, shared his grief and memories with news outlets. She was very much involved in her community back in Ottawa, especially at her local church through volunteering with the children, and greatly contributed to her friends and family, he said. He described her as a loving aunt, emphasizing the profound impact of her loss.

Franclin added, We are all greatly shocked [by] her loss, and these effects will be with us all for the rest of our lives. She was lovely, kind, a hard worker — every community and person she got involved with loved Sheila.

Denied Extension, Forced to Return

Tragically, Sheila Berroa’s journey back to the Dominican Republic was not by choice. She had been seeking to extend her work permit to remain in Ottawa but was denied earlier this year.Her brother noted the cruel timing of events:

[She was] a young person that had a bright life ahead. She was basically forced to move out of Canada literally one month before this tragedy.
Franclin Berroa, Sheila’s Brother

Love and Loss

the stress of leaving Ottawa took a toll on Sheila’s personal life, contributing to the end of her four-year relationship with Saul mendoza. they had lost contact after she returned to the Dominican Republic in March. Mr. Mendoza received the devastating news of her death from her brother the day after the nightclub collapse.

Still in shock, Mr. Mendoza shared his memories and grief:

She had her whole life ahead of her; she had so many hopes and dreams that she shared with me. She wanted her family, she wanted to be a mother, she wanted so many things for her life and her life was cut short, and it’s difficult to accept that; very difficult to accept.
Saul Mendoza, Former Boyfriend

He expressed gratitude for their time together, cherishing memories of their travels and her teaching him to dance.

Mr. Mendoza fondly recalled her magnetic personality:

She was just magnetic.

He elaborated on her character, saying:

I just fell in love with who she was, the way that she loved on other people, the way she cared and looked after other people, the way she, you know, focused on good things like good values, coming from a good heart.

Final Farewell

The funeral service for Sheila Berroa will be held on Saturday.