Ex-MLB Star Dies on the Way to the Hospital – What Happened

The ex-MLB pitcher was among the dozens killed when a popular nightclub's roof collapsed during a packed concert in the Dominican Republic. Read on for more heartbreaking details.

Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel died en route to the hospital after being pulled from the rubble at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following a roof collapse early in the morning on April 8, 2025.

General Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center (COE) confirmed to Noticias SIN that Dotel had been pulled out alive but did not survive the journey to the hospital. He was one of more than 120 people who lost their lives in the incident, according to the Dominican National Police.

Authorities previously reported that the number of confirmed fatalities had reached at least 98 by Wednesday, April 9, 2025. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 255 people sustained injuries.

Among the deceased were Tony Blanco, another former major league player, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Monte Cristi. Nelsy was the sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.

The tragic event occurred at around 1 a.m. during a live concert, which had drawn a large crowd, including athletes, politicians, and other public figures. The venue, Jet Set nightclub, is a well-known establishment in the Dominican capital.

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. The investigation into the structural failure is ongoing.

Tributes began pouring in across the country following confirmation of Dotel's passing. Dominican politician Kelvin Cruz shared a profoundly heartwarming post on Instagram.

He wrote, "We deeply regret the passing of former Major Leagues and Immortal of Dominican Sport, Octavio Dotel. His legacy on and off the field leaves an indelible mark on national baseball history. May his soul rest in peace and may his family and loved ones find strength."

Dotel's wife, Massiel Javier De Dotel, announced funeral arrangements through her own Instagram post. She shared that posthumous honors would be held at Jardín Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., continuing the next day from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Christian burial would follow at Jardín Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on April 10. The message, addressed to the educational community, friends, family, and faith members, was signed, "The Dotel Javier Family."

According to Lanacion, Dotel's wife had been present at the accident site, anxiously awaiting news of her husband's rescue in the hours following the incident.

Dotel was born on November 25, 1973, in Santo Domingo. He played as a professional relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, batting and throwing right-handed.

Over his MLB career, he achieved 109 saves, a 3.78 ERA, 1,143 strikeouts, and a 1.24 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched). He played for multiple teams over the years and earned recognition as a dependable figure on the mound.

In 2024, he was inducted into the Dominican Hall of Fame. His wife celebrated the achievement in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

In her message, she praised not only his athletic accomplishments but also his character and role within their family.

She wrote that seeing him honored was "a dream come true" and reflected on the many sacrifices he made during his career — including time spent away from home and personal challenges — to reach his goals.

She added that Dotel had always carried the country's name "with such pride" and described him as someone who possessed a unique blend of humility and strength.

Her message was filled with personal words of admiration, "You're my life partner, the man who inspires me every day, and the wonderful father to our children. This achievement is just one more example of the great human being you are."

She concluded the post with, "I love you with all my heart, and today I celebrate with you, excited for everything you've accomplished and filled with love for the man you've always been."

Baseball remains a source of national pride in the Dominican Republic, and Dotel's death has resonated not only with fans of the sport but also with those who admired his contributions off the field.

Unfortunately, Dotel, Blanco, and Cruz were among dozens of others who lost their lives in the deadly event.

At the time, at least 27 people were confirmed dead and over 150 were reported injured. The tragic incident unfolded during a live concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez.

While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, Pérez and at least 121 other concertgoers were treated at area hospitals. The singer, known for hits like "Buscando Tus Besos," was found in the rubble.

He was reportedly singing when rescuers located him, indicating he was conscious and able to respond despite injuries. His daughter, Zulinka Pérez, survived the collapse and described her harrowing escape.

She revealed that her husband, who performs as one of her father's backup singers, shielded her with his body and urged her to leave so their child wouldn't be orphaned. He suffered a broken leg in the process.

"My husband, who is another backup singer, threw himself on top of me, and told me: Mami, get out, so that the child is not left alone if this completely falls down, and I got out as I could, but Daddy is still there," she said.

Enrique Paulino, Pérez's manager, recounted the terrifying moments after the roof gave way. Wearing a blood-stained shirt, Paulino told reporters the concert started shortly before midnight and the collapse happened almost an hour later. The group's saxophonist was among those killed.

"It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner," he said, while also explaining that he initially believed the vibrations were caused by an earthquake.

According to the latest updates, Pérez, 69, succumbed to his injuries and did not survive the tragedy. His manager, Paulino, confirmed the news to People.

First responders are working continuously to locate and assist anyone who may still be trapped under the debris. Authorities deployed around 400 search and rescue workers to comb through the disaster.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), revealed that more than 100 ambulance trips had been made to hospitals across Santo Domingo.

Some of these trips carried multiple patients at once due to the overwhelming number of injuries. Juan expressed cautious optimism that more survivors could still be found.

Meanwhile, the Jet Set Club issued a public statement describing the event as a tragedy that has deeply affected not just the venue but all Dominicans.

"The loss of human lives leaves us in a state of profound pain and dismay," they wrote, adding that they are cooperating fully with local authorities and have appointed María Elena Núñez as their official spokesperson during the crisis.

"We share their pain as if it were our own, because we too are in mourning," the club continued in its message of condolences and solidarity. Officials urge the public to avoid the area as recovery efforts continue and families await updates about their missing loved ones.