Former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco have tragically passed away following a devastating nightclub roof collapse at Jet Set, a popular venue in Santo Domingo, on Monday night. The mass casualty event has claimed the lives of at least 58 people and left more than 160 injured, according to local authorities.
Octavio Dotel Dies After Being Pulled from Rubble
Dotel, 50, was reportedly found alive by emergency responders amid the wreckage, but later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The former MLB pitcher played 15 seasons across 13 teams, most notably with the Houston Astros, where he spent five years and became a key figure in a dominant bullpen.
The Astros released a heartfelt statement on Tuesday:
“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night… Dotel was a workhorse during his time in Houston, contributing to one of the league’s most dominant bullpens.”
Tony Blanco Among the Confirmed Victims
Details regarding Tony Blanco's death remain limited, but his passing was confirmed in a statement from Major League Baseball. Blanco, known for his power-hitting abilities, spent time in both MLB and international leagues, including a successful stint in Japan.
MLB, Teams, and Fans Mourn the Losses
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed condolences in an official statement:
“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. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected… The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all Dominican players and fans across the game today.”
Several MLB teams, including the New York Mets, also paid tribute. The Mets held a moment of silence for Dotel ahead of Tuesday night’s game, sharing a message of support for those impacted:
“We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
About the Jet Set Nightclub Collapse
Drone footage from
the scene captured the devastation at Jet Set nightclub, a longtime nightlife staple in the Dominican capital. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the structural collapse, which has been described as one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in recent Dominican history.
