Sports

Former White Sox Pitcher Octavio Dotel Dies in Horrific Nightclub Collapse

Krishn patel

Krishn patel

— 1 min read

Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Octavio Dotel has tragically passed away at the age of 51 after a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving dozens dead and injured.

Dotel, who played for the White Sox during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, was initially reported to have been rescued from the debris. However, it was later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

"After the authorities saved him alive from the rubble of the nightclub, former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared dead at the hospital," MLB insider Mike Rodriguez wrote on social media.

The collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, where a concert was taking place, resulted in at least 79 fatalities and 160 injuries, according to officials. Tony Blanco, who played one MLB season and eight years professionally in Japan, also died following the collapse, Terrero said.

Dotel's Career Highlights:

  • Played for 13 teams over a 15-year MLB career (1999-2013)
  • Recorded a 3.78 ERA and 109 saves
  • Won a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011
  • Pitched for the Dominican Republic team that won the 2013 World Baseball Classic

The New York Mets, with whom Dotel began his MLB career, held a moment of silence before their game against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) also expressed its condolences on social media.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement expressing his sadness and offering condolences to the families and friends of all the victims.

"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,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

Dotel finished his major league career with an impressive 1,143 strikeouts in 951 innings. His contributions to baseball and his presence will be dearly missed.

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