Octavio Dotel, a World Series champion launcher and former Tony Blanco of the major league, were one of those who died following the collapse of a roof in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic, officials announced on Tuesday.
Dotel was from Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and was inside the Jet Set nightclub early Tuesday when the roof fell while singer Rubby Pérez occurred on stage.
The officials had saved Dotel from debris earlier and brought him to the hospital. But the World Series champion then died of his injuries. The MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, and the spokesperson for the Professional League of Baseball Satosky Terrero have also confirmed the death of the Dominican baseball Tony Blanco.
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The former lift MLB Octavio Dottel was among a devastating roof collapse in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. (AP)
Blanco played a season in the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He played most of his career in minors and Japan.
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The rescuers are looking for survivors in the Jet Set nightclub after his roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, early Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Noticias sin via AP)
A spokesman for the Dominican national police confirmed that Dotel had died while he was in transit in the hospital.
“Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way, his condition worsened and he died,” said police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira.
PK Press Club Digital contacted the comment of the Emergency Operations Center, but did not immediately hear.
Dotel’s agent and president of Beverly Hills Sports Council, Dan Horwits, remembered Dottel in a declaration to PK Press Club Digital.
“The BHSC family is saddened to learn the tragic death of Octavio Dotel. OD was unique. One of the real joys to be on and out of the field,” he said. “His energy, his positivity and his zest for life were contagious to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“During his career in the major leagues, he established the MLB record to play with the most organizations (13) he was really proud to have this record and would always make a joke to all those who asked. It was an honor to represent the DO. We transmit our thoughts and our prayers to all his family as well as to all those who were touched by tragedy.”
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwest province of Montecristi and sister of the seven times MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also one of the victims. She had called the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, at 12:49 p.m., the local time, saying that she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed, the first lady of the Dominican Republic, Raquet Abraje, told journalists.
Officials said Cruz died later in the hospital.
Manfred published a declaration on their death.
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the Pass of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of last night tragedy in Santo Domingo,” he said. “We send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been touched and to our colleague Nelson and to his whole family.
“The link between baseball and the Dominican Republic is deep, and we think of all Dominican players and fans through the game today.”
Dotel played for the Astros of Houston from 2000 to 04. The team paid tribute to the late launcher on Tuesday afternoon.
The number of confirmed deaths had reached 58 years before Tuesday afternoon, said Méndez. Earlier, officials said there had been at least 160 people injured.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15 -year career in major league. He made his debut with the New York Mets And appeared for the last time in a match with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15 -year career in major league. (Dennis Wierzbicki / USA TODAY SPORTS)
The launcher was a member of the Cardinals team of St. Louis who beat the Texas Rangers in the seventh match of the World Series 2011. He ended his great career in the league with 109 stops.
Dotel is survived by his wife Massiel and their two children, according to his biography listed by the MLB.
