Sheila Berroa, a 24-year-old woman who spent years living in Ottawa, has been identified as one of the victims of the recent roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The disaster claimed 221 lives during a packed performance on April 8. The cause remains under investigation.
Berroa moved to Ottawa in 2018 to join family, later studying business at Algonquin College and working as a manager at Planet Fitness. Known for her community spirit, she was actively involved in her local church and cherished by family and friends.
“She was lovely, kind, a hard worker — every community and person she got involved with loved Sheila,” said her brother, Franclin Berroa. He described her loss as deeply shocking and long-lasting for those who knew her.
Berroa had recently returned to the Dominican Republic after her Canadian work permit renewal was denied, a move that marked the end of her four-year relationship with Saul Mendoza. “She had her whole life ahead of her… and her life was cut short,” Mendoza said, remembering the woman who taught him to dance and inspired others with her warmth.
As the Dominican Republic mourns the hundreds lost in the tragedy, Ottawa grieves one of its own — a young woman remembered for her hope, compassion, and drive.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
