Ex-MLB Star Nelson Cruz's Sister Tragically Died in Nightclub Roof Collapse Two Days after Becoming Grandmother

Only two days after celebrating the birth of her first grandchild, the respected public figure was caught in a devastating turn of events that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez, governor of Monte Cristi and sister of former Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz, died early Tuesday, April 8, 2025, after becoming trapped beneath the rubble of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. The venue's roof collapsed during a party hosted by merengue singer Rubby Pérez.

According to statements from the First Lady of the Republic, Raquel Arbaje, following the distress call from the official — who later passed away while receiving medical treatment — President Luis Abinader ordered emergency response teams to head immediately to the disaster site on Independencia Avenue.

"At 12:49 a.m., the governor of Monte Cristi called the president, saying she was trapped. The president began mobilizing all the emergency agencies. We haven't slept," Arbaje said in a statement to the press.

She added that teams would continue their work until all those trapped had been located. "This is a tragedy far too great, one nobody ever wants to face, but people can count on us — we won't rest," she said.

Arbjae also mentioned that mental health professionals are present in the area to support the families of those affected.

Martínez died while receiving medical attention. She underwent emergency surgery but did not survive, according to her nephew, who spoke with reporters from Listín Diario.

Just two days before her death, on April 6, 2025, Martínez announced on Instagram that she had become a grandmother for the first time.

Her post read, "Thank you, my God, for this beautiful gift! Today my heart is overflowing with joy… I'm a grandmother now! I welcome my first grandson, little Nelson, a blessing that fills my life with love and hope. It's a feeling that words simply cannot describe."

The proud grandma continued, "I promise to love you, protect you, and always be there for you, my beautiful prince. Welcome to the family, my beloved little one! From my daughter @isauranunezz."

Her brother, Cruz, shared the family's official announcement of her passing on Instagram. In the message, the family expressed "deep sorrow" and said Martínez "dedicated her life with commitment, love, and devotion to her people and her community."

Her remains would be displayed at the Provincial Government of Montecristi at 3 p.m., allowing friends, colleagues, and community members to say their goodbyes. The funeral service is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Hacienda Cruz in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Montecristi Province.

The statement closed with words of appreciation for public support, "Her legacy of service and love for others will live on forever in our hearts."

In the wake of the tragedy, condolences have poured in from across the Dominican Republic and the international community. Among them was a tribute from the Seattle Mariners, one of Nelson Cruz's former Major League Baseball teams.

In a post shared on April 9, the team wrote, "We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the tragedy last night at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, including the loved ones of Nelsy Cruz, sister of Mariners legend Nelson Cruz, and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel."

Martínez's colleagues and peers also paid their respects publicly. Scarlet Benzan, a close friend and associate, shared her tribute via X on April 8, writing, "With great sorrow, I mourn the passing of my dear friend and Governor of Monte Cristi, Nelsy Milagros Cruz, who lost her life in the tragic incident at Jet Set."

"Her passion and dedication to her community will always be remembered.My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Her memory will live on in our hearts," added Benzan.

The loss also sparked a remembrance of Martínez's personal values and close ties to her family. In a Facebook post from April 2019, she honored her mother in a message that reflected her deep affection and appreciation for their bond.

She wrote, "A thousand and one reason, I have today to celebrate, because, the best person, fair, kind, tireless worker, loving, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend, counselor, is her birthday and I want to celebrate and thank God Almighty Father for giving me the privilege and virtue of being her daughter."

Martínez further penned, "I wish you to always bless you fill your days with joy and gladness today and always together with our family and allow us to be more and more united in the love of the good."

Her commitment to family was a recurring theme in her life. In another Instagram post dated May 28, 2023, Martínez admired her mother once again.

"Thank you my Lord for the gift that you gave me as a mother. Mommy you compose all qualities that adorn a virtuous woman, energetic lady, loving warrior que, devoted wife, multifaceted grandmother.... finally, you are the BEST [sic]!!" she wrote.

"Thank you for so much, your infinite love of FAITHFUL PROTECTOR, for being the best of all, I LOVE HER!! more than I can say, CONGRATULATIONS DEAR AND BEAUTIFUL MOM [sic]!!!" concluded Martínez.

Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez is remembered as a public servant and devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother.

Her final public joy — the birth of her first grandson — came just days before a tragic event that ended her life. As her loved ones mourn, they also celebrate the legacy of service and love she leaves behind.