Octavio Dotel, a champion launcher of the World Series, and former Major Leagues Tony Blanco were among those who died after the collapse of a roof in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic, authorities said Tuesday.
Dotel was originally from Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and was inside the Jet Set night club on Tuesday when the ceiling fell when singer Rubby Pérez acted on stage.
The authorities had rescued Dotel from the rubble before and took him to a hospital. But the World Series champion then succumbed to his wounds. The MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the professional spokesman of the Terrero Satosky Baseball League also confirmed the death of the Dominican baseball player Tony Blanco.
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The former reliever of the MLB Octavio Dotel was among those killed in a devastating ceiling collapse in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. (AP)
Blanco played a season in the Major with Washington’s nationals in 2005. He played most of his career in minors and Japan.
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Rescue workers seek survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after their roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (News without AP)
A Dominican National Police spokesman confirmed that Dotel died while he was in transit to the hospital.
“Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way, his condition worsened and died,” police spokesman Diego Pesqueira said.
Pak Gazette Digital contacted the comment at the emergency operations center, but did not receive an immediate response.
The Dotel agent and president of the Beverly Hills Sports Board, Dan Horwits, remembered Dotel in a statement to Pak Gazette Digital.
“The BHSC family is sad when the tragic death of Octavio Dotel. OD was unique. One of the true joys to be close and out of the country,” he said. “His energy, positivity and enthusiasm for life were contagious for all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“During his career in the big leagues, he established the MLB record to play with most organizations (13). He was really proud to maintain that record and always made a joke to anyone who asked. It was an honor to represent Od. We passed our thoughts and prayers to their whole family, as well as all those affected by the tragedy.”
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwest province of Montecristi and sister of seven times All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also among the victims. He had called the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, at 12:49 am local time, saying that he was caught and that the roof had collapsed, the first lady of the Dominican Republic Raquel Abraje told journalists.
The authorities said Cruz later died at the hospital.
Manfred issued a statement about his deaths.
“Major League baseball is deeply saddened by the screens of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of the tragedy last night in Santo Domingo,” he said. “We send our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of all who have already been affected our colleague Nelson and their whole family.
“The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic is deep, and we are thinking of all Dominican players and fans throughout the game today.”
Dotel played for Houston’s stars since 2000-04. The team paid tribute to the last pitcher on Tuesday afternoon.
The confirmed dead number had reached 58 at the end of Tuesday afternoon, Méndez said. Previously, the authorities had said that there were at least 160 people injured.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his career in the major leagues of 15 years. Made his debut with him New York Mets And the last one appeared in a game with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his career in the major leagues of 15 years. (Dennis Wierzbicki/USA Today Sports)
The pitcher was a member of the San Luis cardinal team that defeated the Texas Rangers in the seven -year -old game 2011. He finished his career in the majors with 109 salvages.
Dotel is survived by his wife Massiel and his two children, according to his biography of MLB.
