Former MLB Pitcher Octavio Dotel Among 100+ Killed in Nightclub Roof Collapse
In a tragic turn of events, former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel was among the more than 100 people killed when the roof of a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at the La Marina nightclub in the capital city of Santo Domingo, where a large crowd had gathered to celebrate a local holiday. Witnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound before the roof caved in, trapping and injuring many partygoers.
Dotel, who played for 15 seasons in the MLB and was known for his powerful pitching arm, was in attendance at the nightclub when the collapse happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene, along with dozens of others who were unable to escape the rubble.
The cause of the roof collapse is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the structure may have been weakened by recent heavy rains in the area. The nightclub, which was a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, had been in operation for over a decade without any previous incidents.
Dotel’s death has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with many of his former teammates and colleagues expressing their grief and disbelief on social media. The 45-year-old pitcher was beloved by fans and respected by his peers, making his sudden and tragic passing all the more devastating.
As the investigation into the nightclub roof collapse continues, authorities are urging the public to stay away from the area and to avoid speculation about the cause of the incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Former MLB Pitcher Octavio Dotel Among 100 Killed in Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse
Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday as the roof of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 100 people, including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. local time during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra. According to authorities, there were approximately 300 people inside the nightclub at the time of the collapse.
Emergency services provided an update on Wednesday, reporting that at least 113 people had been killed, including Dotel. The National Emergency System had previously announced on Tuesday that over 200 people were injured in the tragedy.
Dotel, who played for 13 different teams during his 15-year MLB career, was rescued alive from the rubble but passed away on the way to the hospital, according to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center.
In a statement, Dotel’s education academy, Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, mourned his loss and described him as leaving “an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.”
The former pitcher made his major league debut in 1999 with the New York Mets and went on to play for the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Dotel also represented the Dominican Republic national team during his career and was part of the team that won the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
He appeared in two World Series, winning with the Cardinals in 2011 and playing for the Tigers in 2012. Dotel retired in 2013 with a career 3.78 ERA, 1,143 strikeouts, and 109 saves in 951 innings pitched.
Another former MLB player, Tony Blanco, also lost his life in the nightclub collapse, according to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred and the Dominican Sports Ministry. Blanco played for the Washington Nationals in 2005.
Among the other victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province, who was related to former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, according to a statement from her family.
CNN’s Jessica Hasbun, Verónica Calderón, and Michael Rios contributed to this report.
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