Former MLB Stars Among the Nearly 100 Killed in Dominican Nightclub Collapse [WATCH]

Former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among those killed after the roof of a popular nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed early Tuesday morning, Dominican authorities confirmed.

As reported by Fox News, the collapse occurred at the Jet Set nightclub during a live performance by singer Rubby Pérez. Dotel, a native of Santo Domingo, was in attendance at the time of the collapse.

He was initially rescued from the debris and transported to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries en route, according to Dominican National Police spokesman Diego Pesqueira.

“Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died.”

Octavio Dotel was beloved, a beast on the mound and a brother in the clubhouse. His death at 51 after a roof collapse is unspeakably tragic. Prayers for all of those lost in this devastating development out of the Dominican Republic.pic.twitter.com/REqNN0B8FB

— Dinn Mann (@mooseoutfront) April 8, 2025

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Tony Blanco, another Dominican native who played one season in the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2005, was also confirmed dead. Blanco spent the majority of his professional career in the minor leagues and in Japan.

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His death was confirmed by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Professional Baseball League spokesman Satosky Terrero.

The confirmed death toll stood at 98 by early Wednesday, with more than 160 others reported injured.

R.I.P
Tony Blanco
トニ・ブランコ
永遠に pic.twitter.com/KlKHlBl6ID

— ぐすまん (@88432D) April 9, 2025

Dotel, a World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, played for 13 different MLB teams over a 15-year career. He debuted with the New York Mets and concluded his career with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.

He also spent four seasons with the Houston Astros from 2000 to 2004 and finished his MLB tenure with 109 saves.

Dan Horwits, Dotel’s agent and president of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, issued a statement in response to the news.

“The BHSC Family is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Octavio Dotel. OD was one of a kind. One of the true joys to be around both on and off the field. His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.During his Major League career, he set the MLB record for playing with the most organizations (13). He was genuinely proud of holding that record and would always crack a joke to anyone who asked. It was an honor to represent OD. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”

Dotel is survived by his wife, Massiel and their two children.

Among the other victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.

According to Dominican Republic First Lady Raquel Abraje, Cruz had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. local time, stating she was trapped under the rubble. She later died at the hospital.

Commissioner Manfred issued a statement on the tragedy.

“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. We send our heartfelt condolences to the 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 runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”

Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement today regarding the
passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz in Tuesday morning’s tragedy in Santo Domingo: pic.twitter.com/hzEgQeLO0t

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) April 8, 2025

The Houston Astros also paid tribute to Dotel on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts and have not ruled out further casualties as investigations continue.

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