MLB World Mourns as Octavio Dotel Dies in Dominican Republic Nightclub Disaster
The baseball community is in mourning following the tragic death of former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was among more than 100 people killed when the roof of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. local time at the Jet Set nightclub during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez. Authorities reported that around 300 people were inside the venue when the roof caved in.
Emergency services confirmed the death toll of at least 113, including Dotel. Initial reports indicated that over 200 people were injured in the collapse.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, stated that Dotel was rescued alive from the rubble but died en route to the hospital.
Dotel's passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the baseball world. Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, Dotel’s education academy, released a statement mourning his death.
Octavio Dotel had a remarkable 15-year MLB career from 1999 to 2013, playing for 13 different teams, including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees. His journey began when he was signed by the Mets in 1993, making his debut six years later.
Dotel's career highlights include winning a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. He also represented the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Another former major leaguer, Tony Blanco, who played for the Washington Nationals in 2005, also died in the collapse, according to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred and the Dominican Sports Ministry. Additionally, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and relative of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the deceased, as confirmed by Dominican President Luis Abinader.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the roof collapse. The loss of Octavio Dotel and the other victims has deeply impacted the Dominican Republic and the baseball community worldwide.