SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel tragically passed away this week after a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Dotel, who played for the Atlanta Braves during part of the 2007 MLB season, was inside the nightclub when the roof came crashing down early Tuesday morning. He was 51 years old. Dotel’s death is part of a larger tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 113 individuals, with over 250 others injured, according to the latest reports from the Associated Press.
Dotel was one of several high-profile victims of the collapse, which occurred during a concert. Merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was performing at the time of the incident, was also found dead in the rubble the following day. The collapse has stunned the Dominican Republic, and rescue operations continue as crews search through the debris for any remaining survivors. The emergency operations director confirmed that efforts will continue as long as there are reports of missing persons.
In addition to Dotel, other notable individuals who lost their lives in the incident include Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, a player in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, and Nelsy Cruz, the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz. The news of their deaths has sent shockwaves through the sports community, and tributes have poured in from across the globe. The loss of these individuals has left a profound impact on fans and players alike.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sorrow over the tragedy. “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” the statement read. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those affected, and to our colleague Nelson Cruz and his family.” The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic is strong, and the MLB community is mourning the loss of these beloved figures.
Octavio Dotel’s brief time with the Atlanta Braves in 2007 was part of a long and varied 15-year MLB career. Throughout his career, Dotel played for 13 different teams, with much of his success coming as a relief pitcher for the Houston Astros. Though his stint with the Braves was short, the team took to social media to honor Dotel’s memory, posting their condolences and expressing their sympathy to his family and loved ones. The loss of Dotel, a dedicated athlete and beloved member of the baseball community, has left an indelible mark on both the Dominican Republic and the sports world.
