Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — April 8, 2025
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the sports world and the Dominican Republic, former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, aged 51, was among the victims of a deadly nightclub roof collapse that occurred on April 8, 2025, in Santo Domingo.
Key Points:
- ⚠️ Incident: A roof collapsed during a live merengue concert at the Jet Set nightclub, a popular venue in Santo Domingo.
- 💔 Casualties: At least 79 people were killed and over 150 injured in the tragic collapse.
- 🧍♂️ Victims:
- Octavio Dotel was initially rescued from the debris but sadly died from injuries on the way to the hospital.
- Tony Blanco, another former MLB player, and Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, also lost their lives.
- 🏟️ Tributes:
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement expressing sorrow and emphasizing the deep bond between baseball and the Dominican Republic.
- Teams across Major League Baseball, including the New York Mets, held moments of silence in Dotel’s honor.
- 🏆 Career Highlights of Octavio Dotel:
- Played for a record 13 MLB teams during a 15-year career.
- Won a World Series title in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Retired with a 3.78 ERA, 109 saves, and 1,143 strikeouts across 951 innings.
Event Details:
The collapse occurred during a packed concert by merengue legend Rubby Pérez. Eyewitnesses reported loud creaks followed by chaos as the ceiling caved in, sending hundreds fleeing and trapping many under rubble. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the magnitude of the collapse overwhelmed initial rescue efforts.
National Response:
Dominican authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, examining potential structural failures and violations of safety regulations. President Luis Abinader declared a national day of mourning, calling it a “catastrophic and deeply painful day for our nation.”
🕯️ A Nation and the Baseball World Mourn Together
The tragic loss of Octavio Dotel, a symbol of Dominican baseball excellence, has left a void not only in the world of sports but also in the hearts of millions across the Dominican Republic and beyond.
