What was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime for Kevin Mares — a devoted Bad Bunny fan — ended in heartbreak after the 25-year-old was fatally shot while vacationing in Puerto Rico.
Kevin, a college student from New York City, had traveled to the island with his girlfriend and close friends to see the reggaeton superstar live in concert. They’d been planning the trip for nearly a year.
According to Kevin’s mother, Sandra, who spoke through a translator, the group had been eagerly counting down to Sunday’s show. Instead of cheering in the crowd, they are now grieving an unimaginable loss.
The Shooting in La Perla
In the early hours of the morning, Kevin attended a pool party in La Perla — a colorful but historically notorious neighborhood in Old San Juan.
Witnesses say a heated argument broke out between two individuals at the gathering. One of them allegedly pulled a gun and opened fire.
Kevin, who police believe was an innocent bystander, was struck in the abdomen and side. The suspected shooter fled the scene and remains at large as of this writing.
The incident is under investigation by Puerto Rican authorities.
Final Moments Captured on Video
Before tragedy struck, Kevin had sent his mom cheerful updates — including a short video from the pool party and a clip of the view from his hotel room.
“He looked so happy,” Sandra said. “He was enjoying the island, the sun, the music. This trip meant everything to him.”
Who Kevin Was
Friends and family describe Kevin as a loving, dedicated family man who adored gardening, cooking, and caring for animals.
He was studying to become a veterinarian at LaGuardia Community College in New York, determined to turn his passion for animals into a lifelong career.
“Kevin had such a kind soul,” Sandra shared. “He always put others first. He loved life, and he loved Bad Bunny’s music.”
A Mother’s Wish
Sandra hopes that Bad Bunny — who is set to perform in Puerto Rico this weekend — will honor her son’s memory during the show.
“Kevin dreamed about this concert for so long,” she said. “It would mean the world to us if his favorite artist could acknowledge him.”
Support for the Family
Kevin’s loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help bring his body back to the United States for burial.
The fundraiser has already received messages of support from fellow Bad Bunny fans across the globe.
The Bigger Picture: Violence in Paradise
While Puerto Rico remains one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after vacation destinations, local officials continue to battle rising crime in certain areas, including La Perla.
Once infamous for high crime rates, La Perla has transformed in recent years into a tourist attraction — even appearing in Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola” music video.
However, as this tragedy shows, violence can erupt without warning.
A Community Mourns
On social media, friends and strangers alike are sharing tributes under hashtags like #JusticeForKevin and #RIPKevinMares.
One fan wrote:
“We never met, but I know what it’s like to dream about seeing Bad Bunny live. You didn’t deserve this. Rest in peace, hermano.”
Rest in Power
Kevin Mares’ life was cut short just hours before he would have been in the crowd, singing along to the artist who inspired him.
His story is a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can turn into tragedy — and how even in moments of celebration, life is fragile.
If you’d like to support Kevin’s family, you can donate to their official GoFundMe here.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking story? Share them in the comments below and keep following The Pop Radar (TPR) for updates.
