Nelsy Cruz

Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martínez (6 August 1982 – 8 April 2025) was a Dominican politician who served as governor of Monte Cristi Province from 2020 until her death in 2025. A member of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), she died after a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo.

Early life Nelsy Cruz was born in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Monte Cristi, on 6 August 1982. She spent much of her childhood and adolescence in Las Matas, where her parents ran a store popular with bus and truck drivers. The family had two other children: Olga, and the baseball player Nelson. She later studied design at the Chavón Design School and relocated to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros.

In October 2023 she was announced as the PRM's prospective candidate for Monte Cristi's Senate seat in the 2024 general election. Her nomination was, however, challenged by former senator Bernardo Alemán Rodríguez, who ultimately fought – and won – the seat in the 19 May 2024 election.

Death

Cruz was injured in the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo on 8 April 2025. She managed to notify President Abinader of the disaster and was rescued, but later died during surgery, at the age of 42.

Her funeral was held in Las Matas de Santa Cruz on 9 April and was attended by President Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje.