Tragic Roof Collapse in the Dominican Republic: Deaths of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Others – On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic when a roof collapsed at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, leading to the deaths of over 110 individuals, including two former Major League Baseball (MLB) players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The collapse occurred as singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage, with the victims caught in the debris during the early hours of the morning.
Dotel, a renowned former MLB pitcher and World Series champion, was a native of Santo Domingo and had been inside the nightclub when the roof caved in. Although initially rescued from the rubble and transported to a nearby hospital, Dotel succumbed to his injuries while en route. The tragic news was confirmed by Dominican authorities, including a spokesperson from the National Police, who revealed that Dotel’s condition deteriorated as he was being transferred to medical care.
Dotel’s career in Major League Baseball spanned 15 seasons, during which he played for a record 13 teams—an achievement he often joked about with those around him. His MLB career, which began with the New York Mets in 1999 and concluded with the Detroit Tigers in 2013, included 109 saves and a memorable World Series victory in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. His agent, Dan Horwits, remembered Dotel as “one of a kind” and praised his infectious positivity both on and off the field. The MLB community, along with fans and colleagues, mourned the loss of a player who had left a lasting impact in the world of baseball.
Also confirmed dead in the collapse was Tony Blanco, a Dominican baseball player who had a brief stint in the major leagues with the Washington Nationals in 2005. Blanco, who spent the majority of his career in the minor leagues and Japan, was remembered by the baseball community as a dedicated athlete with a passion for the game. Although Blanco’s career in MLB was short, his contributions to baseball at the international level were significant.
In addition to the baseball players, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the victims of the collapse. Cruz, who had called for help in the moments before the tragedy, later died at the hospital from her injuries. Her passing added to the sorrow felt by her family and the wider Dominican community.
The collapse has left more than 255 people injured, with the confirmed death toll reaching 113 by the following morning. Dominican officials have expressed deep concern over the cause of the disaster, while first responders continue to work to provide medical care to the injured.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement expressing his sorrow over the loss of Dotel, Blanco, Cruz, and the many other victims. “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passing of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” said Manfred. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected.”
The Dominican Republic is known for producing a large number of MLB players, and the loss of Dotel and Blanco has deeply affected the baseball community. The Dominican government has promised to investigate the incident, and tributes continue to pour in for the victims. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of such devastating events.