According to Fox News, nearly 100 people lost their lives when the roof of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo caved in during a performance by singer Rubby Pérez early Tuesday morning.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, particularly impacting the Dominican Republic, where baseball holds deep cultural significance. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Professional Baseball League spokesman Satosky Terrero confirmed the deaths of both former players, marking a somber day for the sport.
World Series Champion's final moments
Dotel, a native of Santo Domingo, was initially rescued from the debris and rushed to a hospital. Police spokesman Diego Pesqueira revealed that the pitcher's condition deteriorated during transport, ultimately leading to his death. The 2011 World Series champion had built an impressive 15-year career in the major leagues.
Dan Horwits, Dotel's agent and president of Beverly Hills Sports Council, shared heartfelt memories of the player. The agent emphasized Dotel's unique personality and positive influence on those around him.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences in an official statement:
Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the pasings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of last night's tragedy in Santo Domingo. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.
Distinguished careers cut short
Dotel's remarkable journey through Major League Baseball included stints with 13 different teams, setting a league record for playing with the most organizations. His career began with the New York Mets and concluded with the Detroit Tigers in 2013, accumulating 109 saves along the way.
Blanco's major league experience, though briefer, included a season with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He went on to build a successful career in the minor leagues and Japanese baseball, earning respect across multiple baseball communities.
The tragedy also claimed the life of Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Her final communication was a desperate call to Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. local time.
Rising death toll and community impact
Emergency response teams continue their efforts at the scene, with the confirmed death toll reaching 98 and at least 160 people injured as of early Wednesday. The collapse occurred during a live performance, maximizing the devastating impact on the local community.
The Houston Astros, where Dotel played from 2000-04, paid tribute to their former pitcher on Tuesday afternoon. The loss resonates deeply within the baseball community, particularly given the Dominican Republic's rich baseball heritage.
Local authorities are coordinating rescue and recovery efforts, while the community grapples with the loss of prominent figures and numerous civilians in this unprecedented disaster.
A night that changed Dominican baseball forever
The catastrophic collapse at Jet Set nightclub claimed the lives of two respected baseball figures, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, alongside nearly 100 others. The incident occurred during a live performance in Santo Domingo, sending shockwaves through the Dominican Republic's baseball community and beyond. As rescue efforts continue and the death toll rises, the baseball world mourns the loss of these talented athletes while supporting the affected families and communities during this difficult time.
