Tragic Collapse at Santo Domingo Nightclub Claims the Lives of Two Former MLB Players

• 2025-04-09
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A night of celebration turned into heartbreak when the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tragically collapsed early Tuesday morning, leaving at least 98 people dead and 150 others injured. The devastating incident, which occurred during a packed merengue concert, has left the nation in mourning.

The nightclub, a popular venue in the Dominican nightlife scene, is known for hosting high-profile events, drawing in a crowd of politicians, athletes, and celebrities. On that fateful night, the venue was buzzing with energy as singer Rubby Pérez took the stage to headline the concert. However, just before 1 a.m., disaster struck: the roof suddenly gave way, causing a catastrophic collapse that trapped concertgoers beneath rubble and debris.

Former MLB Stars Among the Victims

Among the victims of this tragic event were two former Major League Baseball players: Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Dotel, 51, was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to a hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League confirmed the heartbreaking news via social media.

Dotel, a celebrated pitcher, made a name for himself in the MLB with an impressive career spanning 13 teams. He was most notably remembered for his time with the Houston Astros (2000-2004) and his pivotal role in helping the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series in 2011. Dotel was widely respected as one of the league’s top relief pitchers, known for his ability to strike out batters in high-leverage situations.

During a broadcast of the New York Mets-Miami Marlins game on Tuesday, Mets announcer Gary Cohen reflected on Dotel’s legacy, saying, “Everyone who ever met Octavio loved him.”

Dotel's Journey: Overcoming Tragedy and Finding Strength

Dotel’s path to the MLB was far from easy. Raised in a humble background, he faced personal tragedies, including the heartbreaking loss of his father in a robbery. Baseball became his sanctuary, a way to cope with grief and continue pursuing his dreams. Dotel himself shared that his love for the game and his faith in God helped him stay grounded.

"I can do nothing if I go to the ballpark and think about him all the time," Dotel once said. "I just have to keep playing hard and get what I’m looking for. I think God helps me because I’m here. I’m here and I appreciate it."

The Loss of Tony Blanco and the Impact on Baseball

Also among those lost in the nightclub tragedy was Tony Blanco, a former infielder for the Washington Nationals. Blanco, whose full name was Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, was another beloved figure in the baseball world. His tragic passing has left many in the Dominican Republic, especially baseball fans, in shock and mourning.

A Night of Celebration Turned Into Tragedy

The night, which started with excitement as Rubby Pérez performed live, quickly turned into chaos as the roof caved in. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, spoke to reporters with bloodstains on his shirt, revealing that the incident happened less than an hour after the concert began.

Survivor accounts were harrowing, with some describing the collapse as feeling like an earthquake. A mobile video shared on social media captured the horrific moment of panic, with a man near the stage screaming about something falling from the ceiling, moments before the roof gave way completely.

Rescue Efforts and Continued Search for Survivors

Rescue operations have continued tirelessly, with first responders working through the night and day to pull survivors from the rubble. Authorities are hopeful, as they continue to hear faint sounds from the debris, suggesting that more people could still be trapped.

Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Center for Emergency Operations, reassured the public, stating, "We continue clearing debris and searching for people. We’re going to search tirelessly for people."

A Nation in Mourning

The tragedy has left the Dominican Republic, and the baseball world, in shock. In addition to the loss of Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, the country is mourning the death of Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi Province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Cruz tragically lost her life after managing to contact President Luis Abinader from inside the nightclub during the collapse, only to later succumb to her injuries.

What Happened at the Jet Set Nightclub?

The collapse occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, when the nightclub was hosting a live merengue concert. Jet Set has long been a staple of Dominican nightlife, drawing large crowds for both its lively music scene and glamorous events. The venue was filled with hundreds of guests when the ceiling unexpectedly caved in, sparking mass panic and confusion.

We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic. pic.twitter.com/UZk88QiBoA

— New York Mets (@Mets) April 8, 2025

Conclusion: Remembering the Lives Lost

As the country comes to grips with this unimaginable tragedy, the memories of those who perished, including Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, will continue to live on. Their contributions to baseball, and the way they inspired others, will not be forgotten. The nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating disaster.