What was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime turned into a nightmare for the loved ones of Kevin Mares — a 25-year-old Queens, New York man fatally shot in Puerto Rico while visiting for a Bad Bunny concert.
Mares’ father, Hector Mares, is speaking publicly for the first time about the devastating loss.
“It’s very hard,” Hector said, his voice breaking. “Yesterday was a hard day. We’re still in pain. He was a beautiful person.”
A Love Story Cut Short
Kevin had flown to Puerto Rico with his longtime girlfriend, Angy Nicole Arguello, to attend the reggaeton superstar’s month-long residency. The couple had been together for seven years, and relatives say he planned to propose during the trip.
“He always had my back,” Arguello told the New York Daily News. “I can’t believe it. I’m in denial.”
On Instagram, she poured her grief into a heartbreaking tribute:
“My love, I love you. I miss you so much. Why, God, did you take him away from me?”
The post included snapshots of their life together — smiling selfies, beachside moments, and cozy nights that now serve as bittersweet reminders.
The Shooting in La Perla
According to Puerto Rican police, Mares was at a bar in La Perla, a historic seaside neighborhood in Old San Juan, on Sunday night when gunfire broke out.
Authorities say he was not involved in the argument that led to the shooting.
“Preliminarily, it was a dispute that had nothing to do with this tourist,” Sgt. Arnaldo Ruiz told local outlet El Nuevo Día.
Mares and other bystanders were struck by bullets. He was rushed to a hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
An Outpouring of Support
In the days following the tragedy, the Mares family launched a GoFundMe campaign to bring Kevin’s body home to New York. By Monday afternoon, donations had already surpassed $31,000.
His cousin Christina, who declined to give her last name, said the family is anxiously awaiting the release of his remains.
“We just want the body to come home,” she said. “That’s what we’re working for.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police in Puerto Rico are still investigating the shooting, including the circumstances of the dispute that led to gunfire.
For Kevin’s family and friends, the focus remains on honoring his memory — a loyal son, loving partner, and vibrant young man whose future was stolen far too soon.
Rest in Peace, Kevin Mares (1999–2025).
If you’d like to help the family, donations can be made through their verified GoFundMe page.