The music and nightlife communities of Northwest Indiana are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Michael Anthony Valdez, widely known by his professional name, DJ Dominator, following a fatal car accident in Hammond, Indiana.
The beloved 47-year-old DJ from Dyer was killed in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 31, 2025, in a single-vehicle crash on Kennedy Avenue. According to the Hammond Police Department, the accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the 7400 block of Kennedy Avenue.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Valdez was traveling northbound when his SUV struck a curb, crossed the median into a grassy area, and ultimately crashed into several unoccupied Domino’s Pizza delivery vehicles parked in a lot across the street.
The collision was severe, and Valdez, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected during the crash. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed the victim’s identity as Michael Anthony Valdez.
No other injuries were reported, and the crash remains under active investigation by the Hammond Police Department’s Traffic Division. Michael Valdez was more than a name on a report he was a vibrant figure in the regional music scene, known for his passion, energy, and the joy he brought to every event he performed.
As DJ Dominator, he earned a loyal following through years of dedication to his craft. Whether spinning at local clubs, weddings, community gatherings, or private parties, he brought life to the dance floor and left lasting impressions with his unique mixes and charismatic presence.
Friends, fans, and fellow DJs across Indiana and the greater Midwest have expressed their grief and disbelief at his passing. Tributes have poured in online, with many sharing memories of nights filled with music, laughter, and connection—all made special by DJ Dominator’s presence.
Colleagues remember him not just as a talented performer, but as a generous soul, always ready to mentor younger DJs, collaborate with local artists, or lend his time and talents to community events.
Outside of his career, Michael Valdez was known as a dedicated family man and a loyal friend. Those closest to him describe him as someone with a big heart, a warm smile, and an unmatched sense of humor.
He had a way of making people feel welcome wherever he went traits that extended far beyond the DJ booth. The community of Dyer, where Valdez resided, is reeling from the sudden loss of one of their own.
His absence will be deeply felt, not only by his family and friends but by the countless individuals who experienced the joy he spread through music. Plans for a memorial service or public celebration of life have not yet been announced, but it is expected that the turnout will reflect the widespread love and respect Michael earned throughout his life.
As those who loved him come together to grieve, they also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind a legacy filled with music, connection, and unforgettable moments.
The tragic circumstances of DJ Dominator’s passing are a reminder of life’s fragility. While his final performance has come far too soon, his spirit lives on through the music he created and the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Michael “DJ Dominator” Valdez—your beats may be silent, but your rhythm will echo forever.
