World Series champion pitcher Octavio Dotel and former major leaguer Tony Blanco were among nearly 100 people who died after the roof collapse at a Dominican Republic nightclub, officials said Tuesday.
Dotel was from Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and was inside. Jet Set Night Club Early on Tuesday, when singer Ruby Perez performed on stage, the roof fell.
The officials had Rescued Dotel He took him to the hospital from the wreckage early. However, the World Series champion later succumbed to his injuries. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and professional baseball league spokesman Satoski Terrero confirmed the death of Dominican baseball player Tony Blanco.
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Former MLB Reliever Octavio Dotel was killed in a catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. (AP)
Blanco played one season with the Washington Nationals in 2005 for the majors. He played most of his career in Japan with minors.
World Series champion Rich Dauer died at age 72
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, survivors were searched at Jetset Nightclub after the roof collapsed at a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Noticias Sin via AP)
A spokesman for the Dominican National Police confirmed that Dotel died during transport to the hospital.
“Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. His condition deteriorated along the way and he died,” said police spokesman Diego Pesqueira.
Fox News Digital contacted the Emergency Operations Center’s comments but did not respond immediately.
Dan Horwits, a Dotel agent and president of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, recalled Dotel in a statement from Fox News Digital.
“The BHSC family is saddened to learn of the tragic passage of the Octavio Dotel. OD was one of the real joys of being both on and off the field,” he said. “His energy, positivity and enthusiasm for life were contagious to all who had the joy of knowing him.
“In his major league career, he set up MLB records to play for most organizations (13). He is really proud to keep that record and will always joke with anyone who asked.
Nelsicruz, the governor of Northwest Monte Christi and sister to the seventh MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also among the victims. She had called Dominican Republic President Lewis Abinader at 12:49am local time.
Authorities said Cruz later died in the hospital.
Manfred has issued a statement regarding their deaths.
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the pacing of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco and Nelsey Cruises and the pacing of all the victims of last night’s tragedy at Santo Domingo,” he said. “We send our sincere condolences to all the people affected, friends and colleagues Nelson and his whole family.
“The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic is deep and we’re thinking about all the Dominican players and fans throughout today’s game.”
Dotel played for Houston Astros From 2000-04. The team paid tribute to the late pitcher on Tuesday afternoon.
The confirmed death toll reached 98 at the beginning of Wednesday, with at least 160 injured, officials said.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15-year major league career. He made his debut New York Mets And last appeared in a game with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15-year major league career. (Dennis Wierzbicki/USA Today Sports)
The pitcher was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals team that defeated the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the 2011 World Series. He finished his major league career with 109 saves.
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Dotel survived by his wife Maciel and their two children, according to him. MLB List Bio.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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