Octavio Dotel, a World Cups and former Major League Tony Blanco were among those who died after the collapse of a roof at a Dominican Republic of Night Club, officials said Tuesday.
Dotel was a resident of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and was inside Jet seen the nightclub early Tuesday when the roof fell when singer Rubby Pérez appeared on stage.
Officials had saved dotel from the waste earlier and brought him to a hospital. But the world champion later succumbed to his injuries. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Professional Baseball League spokesman Satosky Terrero also confirmed the death of Dominican baseball player Tony Blanco.
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Former MLB -Reliever Octavio Dotel was killed in a devastating roof collapse at a Dominican Republic of Night Club. (AP)
Blanco played one season in the main subjects of Washington Nationals in 2005. He played most of his career in minors and in Japan.
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Rescue workers are looking for survivors at the Jet Set -Night Club after its roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Notalias its via AP)
A Dominican National Police spokesman confirmed that Dotel died while in transit to the hospital.
“Dotel was led to one of the designated hospitals. On the road that worsened his condition and he died,” said police spokesman Diego Pesqueira.
Pakinomist Digital contacted the comment on the Emergency Operations Center but did not hear back immediately.
Dotel’s agent and president of Beverly Hills Sports Council, Dan Horwits, remembered Dotel in a statement to Pakinomist Digital.
“The BHSC family is sorry to learn from the tragic departure of Octavio Dotel. Od was one of a kind. One of the true joys to be around both on and off the field,” he said. “His energy, positivity and life for life were contagious to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“During his great league career, he set the MLB record to play with the most organizations (13). He was really proud to hold this record and would always crack a joke to anyone who asked. It was an honor to represent OD. We transfer our thoughts and prayers to his whole family as well as all who were affected by the tragedy.”
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and the sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also among the victims. She had called the Dominican Republic President Luis Abinads at 1 p.m. 12:49 pm local time and said she was trapped and that the roof was collapsed, the Dominican Republic told First Lady Raquel Abraje to journalists.
Officials said Cruz later died in the hospital.
Manfred released a statement about their deaths.
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the Pases from Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all victims of yesterday’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” he said. “We send our heartfelt compassion to families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family.
“The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic is running deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”
Dotel played for Houston Astros from 2000-04. The team paid tribute to the late jug on Tuesday afternoon.
The confirmed death toll had reached 58 from late Tuesday afternoon, Méndez said. Previously, officials had said there were at least 160 people injured.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15-year-old big league career. He debuted with New York Mets And last appeared in a game of Detroit Tigers in 2013.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15-year-old big league career. (Dennis Wierzbicki/USA Today Sports)
The pitcher was a member of St. The Louis Cardinals team that defeated Texas Rangers in Game Seven of 2011 World Series. He completed his great league career with 109 savings.
Dotel is survived by his wife Massiel and their two children, according to his MLB-listed bio.
