Who was Octavio Dotel? Former MLB player found dead after Dominican nightclub collapse
At least 44 people are dead, including former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, after a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. The incident occurred during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, leaving many injured.
A tragic incident has occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where a roof collapse has led to multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the disaster while search and rescue efforts continue.
Among the victims feared to be caught in the rubble is former MLB pitcher and World Series champion, Octavio Dotel. The collapse occurred during a live performance, and local officials are working tirelessly to account for the survivors.
Who was Octavio Dotel? One of the victims in Santo Domingo incident
According to the New York Post, Dotel, a former pitcher who played for multiple MLB teams, including the New York Mets and the Yankees, was in the nightclub during the collapse.
Over his 15-year-career, Dotel played for eight different steams and was part of the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals team that won the word series. He described the moment, saying, “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” initially thinking it was an earthquake. Rescue teams continued to search through the wreckage for more survivors, as officials held hope that others might still be alive.
Kelvin Cruz, the nation's sports minister, confirmed that former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, who played for 13 teams, was among the victims of the tragic incident.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of former Major League player and Immortal of Dominican Sport, Octavio Dotel," Cruz said in a statement. "His legacy both on and off the field has left a lasting impact on the history of national baseball. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find strength." Dotel made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 1999.
The Mets also mourned Dotel’s passing, stating, "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy in the Dominican Republic." Dotel’s standout years were spent with the Houston Astros, where he played from 2000 to mid-2004.
Over his career, the right-hander appeared in 302 games, pitched 449 innings, and posted a 3.25 ERA, a solid record in a hitter-friendly era. Dotel later won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
The Houston Astros expressed their grief, saying, "We are heartbroken to hear that Octavio Dotel was among the victims of the roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. He was one of baseball's top relievers and a key part of a dominant bullpen alongside Hall of Famer Billy Wagner and All-Star Brad Lidge."
Jet Set incident has left thousands of injuries
The incident left at least 150 people injured, with reports stating that Pérez was also pulled from the rubble, alive. His manager, Enrique Paulino, described the scene, revealing that the group’s saxophonist was one of those killed. Among the fatalities was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi and the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz.
The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear. Several of the injured, including 31 who were taken to Dr. Dario Contreras Hospital, were in critical condition. President Luis Abinader confirmed that all emergency agencies were working around the clock to assist those affected.
Santo Domingo's Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó expressed her condolences to the victims' families, while the US embassy in the Dominican Republic extended its sympathies and praised the efforts of the rescue teams.