Baseball World Mourns Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco After Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Kills Nearly 100

The Dominican Republic is in mourning after a devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo early Tuesday morning claimed the lives of nearly 100 people, including former MLB pitcher and World Series champion Octavio Dotel and former major leaguer Tony Blanco, Fox News reports.

The tragedy occurred while singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage.

Dotel, a native of Santo Domingo, was initially rescued from the debris and transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The news sent shockwaves through the baseball community.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the deaths of both Dotel and Tony Blanco, who played one season in the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2005 and spent much of his career in the minor leagues and Japan.

Horwits highlighted Dotel’s unique MLB record. “During his Major League career, he set the MLB record for playing with the most organizations (13). 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.”

Beyond the baseball world, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also among the victims. According to Dominican Republic First Lady Raquel Abraje, Cruz contacted President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. local time to report being trapped after the roof collapsed. She later died in the hospital.

The Houston Astros, one of the 13 teams Dotel played for during his 15-year major league career, paid tribute to the late pitcher on Tuesday afternoon. Dotel played for the Astros from 2000-2004.

As of early Wednesday, the confirmed death toll stood at 98, with at least 160 injured. Dotel made his MLB debut with the New York Mets and last pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 2013. He was a key member of the St. Louis Cardinals team that won the 2011 World Series. Dotel finished his career with 109 saves.

Dotel is survived by his wife Massiel and their two children, according to his MLB-listed bio.