Two MLB Players Lose Lives From New Nightclub Roof Collapse
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and ex-player Tony Blanco were among the tragic victims of a devastating roof collapse at a nightclub in the heart of the Dominican Republic’s capital on Tuesday.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, told CNN that Dotel passed away on his way to the hospital after being pulled alive from the rubble.
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.
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major… pic.twitter.com/wQui3h7rko
Dotel had a 15-season MLB career from 1999 to 2013. He was originally signed by the New York Mets in 1993 as an amateur free agent and made his major league debut six years later.
Dotel’s agent and president of the Beverly Hills Sports Council honored the athlete in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“The BHSC Family is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Octavio Dotel. OD was one of a kind. One of the true joys to be around both on and off the field,” he stated. “His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He continued, “During his Major League career, he set the MLB record for playing with the most organizations. He was genuinely proud of holding that record and would always crack a joke to anyone who asked. It was an honor to represent OD. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”
Blanco was born in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. Over the course of his career, he played multiple positions, including first and third baseman and outfielder, spending eight years in the minor leagues in the U.S. before making his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2005.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of former Major Leaguer Tony Blanco in Tuesday’s tragedy in the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo.
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2025
Blanco played in 56 games for the inaugural Washington Nationals team in 2005, including the first game in… pic.twitter.com/14BWiXY7Os
After his time in the majors, he took his talents overseas and wrapped up his playing career in 2016 with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Officials confirmed at least 124 deaths, including Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Over 255 others were injured.
More than 24 hours after the collapse, rescue teams continue their search for survivors. By Wednesday, officials reported they had successfully rescued 145 people from the nightclub’s rubble.
The roof collapsed around 1 a.m. during a merengue concert at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, attracting athletes, politicians, and others. The cause of the collapse remains unclear.
