In Flushing, Queens, the somber notes of mourning played out this weekend as family, friends, and loved ones gathered to say goodbye to Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old man whose life was cut tragically short during what should have been a joyful trip to Puerto Rico. Mares was in San Juan to attend one of Bad Bunny’s sold-out concerts, part of a summer residency that has drawn hundreds of thousands to the island and supercharged its economy. Instead of returning home with stories of music and celebration, Mares’ family faced the unimaginable task of bringing his body back to New York for a wake and funeral.
The wake, held on Saturday and Sunday at the Frederick Funeral Home in Flushing, drew a steady stream of mourners who remembered Mares not just for his ambitions—he was pursuing a dream of becoming a veterinarian and planning an engagement to his longtime girlfriend—but for the irreplaceable role he played in their lives. “He was always the shoulder to cry on. Always had words of wisdom,” said Arda Yazici, a friend since grade school, in comments to WABC. “He was the one guy the whole group would look up to you know?” Yazici added, his grief mingling with disbelief at the sudden loss.
According to CBS News New York, the sense of loss at the wake was palpable. The tragedy has resonated not only with those who knew Mares personally but also with the broader Queens community, many of whom have watched the story unfold with shock and sadness.
The circumstances surrounding Mares’ death underline the unpredictable nature of tragedy. On the night of the shooting, Mares was with friends in La Perla, a neighborhood on the edge of Old San Juan’s historic sea wall—an area both infamous and iconic. Investigators say a heated argument broke out among a separate group nearby, escalating rapidly. Kalel Jorell Martinez Bristol, 37, allegedly drew a gun and began firing, wounding two people and fatally striking Mares, who had no relation to the dispute, according to Eric Ortiz Rodriguez of the Homicide Division of San Juan.
“They were walking, and then across the street, it was like a bunch of bunch of people, arguing and they start fighting each other. So one of them, they took out a gun. So he starts shooting, like random,” Mares’ mother, Sandra Mares, told Eyewitness News. The randomness of the violence has added a layer of heartbreak for the family, who had to navigate the logistical and emotional challenges of repatriating their son’s body for his funeral, scheduled for Monday.
Martinez Bristol was arrested on Friday and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held on $800,000 bond and is due back in court on August 28. The Mares family is now faced with the daunting prospect of traveling back and forth to Puerto Rico for court hearings, even as they struggle to process their loss. “It’s very sad that people -- some people come to this world to hurt others. He doesn’t even imagine what he has caused to our family. We just hope that God forgives him. We will forgive him as well because everyone deserves you know, forgiveness. But yeah he hurt so much the family,” said Lilian Saenz-Mares, the wife of Mares’ godfather, in a moment of grace amid grief.
The tragedy occurred against the backdrop of a historic cultural moment for Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny’s 30-concert residency, running from mid-June through mid-September 2025, has been a beacon for fans worldwide. According to the Associated Press, the concerts have drawn an estimated 600,000 visitors, with hotel packages alone generating nearly $200 million. The influx has provided a much-needed boost to Puerto Rico’s fragile economy, with hotel reservations up 10% on July 27 compared to the previous year, and short-term rentals soaring—42% higher in August and 61% up for September compared to last year. Flights from the U.S. mainland to San Juan’s main airport have also increased by nearly 7% over the same period.
But the impact of Bad Bunny’s residency goes far beyond ticket sales and hotel receipts. Visitors are flocking to sites associated with the superstar—his former high school, the supermarket in Vega Baja where he once worked, even the church where he served as an altar boy. Tourists don red polyester vests at Econo, the supermarket, and listen to stories from his former boss about his love for classic salsa songs. “He always liked going to the parking lot to gather the shopping carts because it seemed that he felt free there and would sing,” Delza Vélez, head of HR at Econo, told AP.
Local businesses and nonprofits have capitalized on the surge, launching themed tours and events that highlight Puerto Rican culture. G8, a nonprofit in San Juan, offers a $25 guided bike tour inspired by Bad Bunny’s latest album, while Acción Valerosa has partnered with musicians to create the “Café con Ron” tour, ferrying tourists to coffee towns and traditional music workshops. These initiatives not only generate revenue but also shift the focus from Puerto Rico’s beaches to its rich culture and history. “We can argue that they’re the prettiest, but they’re beaches. What makes us unique is the culture. No one can steal that,” said Ricardo Cortés Chico, spokesperson for Discover Puerto Rico.
Visitors like Eddie Villanueva, who traveled from Switzerland with his father for a full Bad Bunny experience, are spending thousands of dollars not just on concert tickets but on tours, local dining, and shopping. “Delighted. Incredible,” said the younger Villanueva, summing up the excitement and sense of discovery that has swept over fans.
Even small towns are feeling the ripple effects. In Cabo Rojo, a hotel next to a dock featured in a Bad Bunny video has seen a 7% uptick in business. Tour guides in Vega Baja report dozens of bookings, with revenue helping to support local communities. “I never thought people would want to see where he worked,” said Heidy Crespo, who leads tours of the singer’s hometown. “But I love it. I love seeing people’s eyes shine.”
For many, the trip is about more than music—it’s a chance to connect with Puerto Rican identity and support local businesses. Vicky Galvez, who flew in from Las Vegas, described her $2,450 trip as “much more than just a music event.” She and her friends dined at family-owned restaurants and shopped local, buoyed by the sense that their spending was making a difference. “I did shop local, and that was great,” she told AP.
Yet, amid the economic boom and cultural celebration, the death of Kevin Mares stands as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. His story is now woven into the larger narrative of a summer that has brought joy and prosperity to many, but also sorrow and loss to a family from Queens. As Puerto Rico continues to welcome fans from around the globe, the hope is that the music, the culture, and the memories created will endure—and that tragedies like this will become ever rarer.