Feb 13, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; a general view of New York Yankees spring training workouts and MLB baseballs at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Former major league pitcher Octavio Dotel died due to injuries suffered in a mass casualty event at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
Dotel was reportedly alive when rescue crews located him and at least seven others from the wreckage of a roof collapse at Jet Set, a popular nighttime destination in Santo Domingo, which killed at least 58 people and injured more than 160, per local authorities.
But local authorities said Tuesday evening that Dotel was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital after being rushed to the medical center for treatment of serious injuries.
Several MLB teams, including the Houston Astros, one of Dotel’s 13 MLB clubs during his career, released a statement Tuesday afternoon following confirmation of his death.
“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,” the statement read.
“Dotel spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major League career with the Houston Astros. While in Houston, he was one of the top relievers in all of baseball and was a significant part of a dominant bullpen that included Hall of Famer Billy Wagner and All-Star Brad Lidge. A workhorse, Dotel’s club-leading 159 appearances in 2002-03 combined were second in the Majors in that span, during which he posted a 2.15 ERA.”
Prior to the start of Tuesday’s home game, the New York Mets observed a moment of silence in Dotel’s memory and a brief statement.
“We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic. pic.twitter.com/UZk88QiBoA
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 8, 2025
Dotel also pitched for the crosstown Yankees, who recognized his contributions to the franchise.
“The Yankees mourn the passing of former Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel and extend our deepest condolences to Octavio’s family, friends and loved ones. Our hearts are with all those impacted by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic,” the team said.
MLB reporter Mike Rodriguez, who is from the Dominican Republic, was first to report the apparent rescue of Dotel and others. He later reported Dotel died in transport to receive medical treatment.
“Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the rubble of the nightclub, former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared dead at the hospital. A great human being and lovely person, much strength to his family. We, your friends, will miss you very much,” Rodriguez reported Tuesday afternoon.
Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the rubble of the nightclub, former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared dead at the hospital. A great human being and lovely person, much strength to his family. We, your friends, will miss… pic.twitter.com/LFG5pn9alQ
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) April 8, 2025
Also among the deceased was the sister of Nelson Cruz — Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, the governor of the Montecristi province in the country. Nelson Cruz confirmed the report on Tuesday following a statement from President Luis Abinader.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” Abinader said. “All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Multiple media outlets reported earlier Tuesday that Dotel was one of at least eight people recovered in the early hours of rescue work following the collapse of a roof at an event where hundreds gathered to watch a performance by singer Rubby Perez.
Rodriguez had reported earlier Tuesday that Dotel “has some injuries, but his condition is stable and he is expected to recover soon.”
The cause of the roof collapse was not immediately known.
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center for Emergency Operation in the Dominican Republic, said the search for survivors trapped in the rubble was ongoing.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” Mendez said.
Dotel, 51, was a Santo Domingo native who pitched with 13 teams in a career that spanned from 1999-2013. He had a career record of 59-50, an ERA of 3.78 and 109 saves in 758 games (34 starts).
He won the 2011 World Series as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Nelson Cruz played for eight MLB teams from 2005-23 and was a seven-time All-Star.
–Field Level Media
