MLB World Mourns as Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco Perish in Dominican Nightclub Collapse
The baseball community is reeling after former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among the dozens who tragically lost their lives when a nightclub roof collapsed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The devastating incident occurred early Tuesday morning at the Jet Set nightclub, claiming the lives of at least 66 people and injuring another 160, according to Dominican civil defense officials.
Dominican National Police confirmed the deaths of Dotel and Blanco, sending shockwaves through the sports world. Among the other victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
The collapse occurred around 1 a.m. during a merengue concert, drawing a large crowd of athletes, politicians, and members of the community. The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation, leaving many unanswered questions in the wake of this 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," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family."
The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic also expressed its condolences on social media, confirming Dotel's death.
Octavio Dotel, 51, had a distinguished 15-year MLB career, pitching for 13 different teams. He recorded 109 saves and maintained a 3.78 ERA. Dotel began his career with the Houston Astros in 1999. In 2011, he played a key role in the St. Louis Cardinals' World Series victory. Before Tuesday's game, the Astros held a moment of silence to honor Dotel.
Tony Blanco, 43, played 56 MLB games for the Washington Nationals in 2005. Following his time in the major leagues, he continued his baseball career in Japan and the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Sports and Recreation confirmed Blanco's death. His son, Tony Blanco Jr., is currently a prospect in the Washington Nationals' farm system.
President Luis Abinader, who visited the scene, shared on X that rescue agencies were "working tirelessly" to assist those affected. Rescue crews worked for nearly 12 hours to pull survivors from the debris.