The Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapsed, killing dozens of people, including the World Series champion

A Dominican Republic nightclub’s roof collapsed, killing several people, including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel.

Dotel reportedly gave up the ghost while being transported to the hospital after being recovered alive from the wreckage.

Social media has been used by baseball fans to express their grief over the World Series champion’s passing as the number of fatalities from the terrible event continues to increase.

After the roof of a nightclub collapsed, Octavio Dotel died.

After a Dominican Republic nightclub he frequented collapsed, Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, passed away.

Reports from the local media state that the athlete was one of the eight persons who were first pulled alive from the wreckage, but he passed away upon route to the hospital.

Noticias SIN reports that the terrible tragedy, which occurred while popular merengue artist Rubby Pérez was in the middle of a concert, claimed the lives of at least 44 individuals.

As estimates indicate that at least 150 people were hurt inside the crowded nightclub, several publications have said that they have verified Dotel’s passing.

MLB insider Héctor Gómez posted on X, “After being rescued from the rubble at the Jet Set night club in the Dominican Republic due to the collapse of the roof, former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel has passed away.”

Perez was reportedly dragged alive from the wreckage in the meantime. At the scene, his manager, Enrique Paulino, who had blood on his chest, told reporters that the group’s saxophone was one of the unfortunate victims.

Nelson Cruz’s sister, Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, the governor of the Dominican Republic’s Montecristi province, was also among the deceased.

Cruz, a seven-time All-Star, played for eight Major League Baseball teams from 2005 to 2023.

A Quick Look At Octavio Dotel’s Playing Career

The New York Mets signed the renowned pitcher at the beginning of his career, and he went on to pitch for 13 teams, including the Yankees, between 1999 and 2013.

He pitched in 758 games (34 starts) with 109 saves, a 59-50 career record, and an ERA of 3.78. Dotel played for the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated the Texas Rangers, and won the 2011 World Series.

According to his MLB profile, Dotel’s wife Massiel and their kids, Eduardo and Nicole, are his survivors.

Three days prior to the fatal collapse, Massiel shared a video of herself and Dotel discussing their contented marriage.

Condolences for the Late World Series Champion

Since then, fans have paid their respects to the well-known baseball player on social media.

“There are not enough words to express what one feels when faced with such a loss,” a reader remarked.

An additional commenter said, “No way?! I recall his White Sox pitching days. A sad state of affairs all around.

“Awesome! Very depressing! “May God receive Octavio Dotel in his glory and bring comfort to his loved ones,” one person said, while another added, “I hope the Mets do a little dedication to him at Citifield.” May their families find strength and may the souls of all the deceased rest in peace.

Other MLB Players Get Out of the Ordeal

According to reports, there were two more MLB celebrities present at the nightclub that evening, but they departed before the sad event occurred, thus they were spared.

Estban Germán, who played for the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics, and Henry Blanco, who played for the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks, were also at the Jet Set nightclub on that tragic night, according to La Nación.

On Tuesday morning, however, the two departed prior to the roof collapsing at roughly one in the morning.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) is still looking for survivors beneath the debris, according to General Juan Manuel Méndez, the center’s chief.

“The important thing is that we’re rescuing the people who are alive… we’re looking for everyone, Rubby and everyone who was there,” Méndez stated to Noticias Sin.

Rescue Operations Go On As Organizations Help Victims “Tirelessly”

While all rescue authorities are “working tirelessly” to assist those affected, President Luis Abinader stated that rescue attempts will continue.

“We sincerely apologize for the catastrophe that took place at the Jet Set nightclub. He stated on X, “Since the incident happened, we have been monitoring it minute by minute.”

Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, the mayor of Santo Domingo, went on to say: “The awful catastrophe that happened at the Jet Set nightclub wakes up our city. I send my sincerest condolences to the families who are still awaiting word on their loved ones.