World Series Baseball champion dies as roof collapse in Dominican Republic membership kills 44
Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel has died after being pulled from the rubble of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic that collapsed, with 44 people confirmed to have lost their lives
Baseball legend Octavio Dotel has died after he was pulled from the wreckage of the Dominican Republic nightclub which collapsed today (April 8).
The incident at the Jet Set Club killed 44 people, with over 160 others injured. Dominican Republic officials confirmed World Series champion Dotel’s death as they announced three days of national mourning.
Though Dotel was initially rescued alive from the rubble, he could not overcome his injuries and later passed away in the hospital. The Major League Baseball veteran played for 13 different teams and was part of the St Louis Cardinals’ triumphant 2011 World Series squad.
It’s believed that at least 300 patrons were inside the Jet Set club when it caved in during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Perez and his band. Ex-MLB stars Esteban German and Henry Blanco were present but managed to flee unscathed.
At about 1 am local time, the club’s roof dramatically collapsed, with Dotel being trapped under the wreckage for 11 hours before his rescue. Performer Perez sustained injuries and his saxophonist was killed, as confirmed by Enrique Paulino, Perez’s manager.
“It happened so quickly,” said Paulino, who had initially mistaken the incident for an earthquake. “I managed to throw myself into a corner.”
The cause of the collapse remains uncertain, and Jet Set officials have said they are ready to aid in the investigation. A spokesperson released a statement: “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay.”
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has confirmed that efforts are ongoing around the clock to conduct rescue operations after a tragedy struck the Jet Set nightclub. He said: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub.”
Abinader added: “We have been following the case minute by minute since it happened. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Octavio Dotel, who made his major league baseball debut with the New York Mets in 1999 and last played for the Detroit Tigers in 2013, had a record of 59 wins against 50 losses, including an impressive tally of 1,143 strikeouts.
The MLB pitcher also won both the World Series and the World Baseball Classic, the latter with the Dominican Republic team in 2013. In addition to these successes, he played during a combined no-hitter on 11 June 2003 whilst part of the Houston Astros.
The US embassy in Santo Domingo shared its sympathies regarding the incident on Tuesday. “We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, the injured and all the Dominican people at this difficult time,” wrote Charge d’Affaires Patricia Aguilera on Facebook. “We appreciate the tireless efforts of the rescue teams.”
