Former Major League -Kann Octavio Dotel died due to injuries affected in a mass accident event at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
Dotel reportedly lived when rescue herds located him and at least seven others from the wreck of a roof collapse at Jet Set, a popular night destination in Santo Domingo, who killed at least 58 people and injured more than 160, per local authorities.
But the local authorities said Tuesday night that Dotel was declared death on arrival at a local hospital after rushing to the medical center for the treatment of serious injuries.
Several MLB teams, including Houston Astros, one of Dotel’s 13 MLB clubs during his career, released a statement on Tuesday after confirmation of his death.
“We are heartbroken to learning the tragic news that the former Astros Chancan Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals who died when a roof collapsed in his original Dominican republic last night,” read the statement.
“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 Fammudd Workhorse, Dotel’s Club-Leading 159 Appearances in 2002-03 Combined Were Second in the Majors in that span, during which he published a 2.15 era.
Before the beginning of Tuesday’s home game, the New York Mets observed a moment of silence in Dotel’s memory and a brief statement.
“We mourn away from Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with anyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
We mourn away from 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 opened for Crosstown Yankees, who acknowledged his contributions to the franchise.
“Yankees mourns the former Yankees cinnan Octavio Dotel from Yankees and extends our deepest condolences to Octavio’s family, friends and loved ones. Our hearts are with all those affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic,” said the team.
MLB reporter Mike Rodriguez, who comes from the Dominican Republic, was first reporting the obvious rescue of Dotel and others. He later reported that Dotel died in transport to receive medical treatment.
“Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the nightclub, the former MLB player and the World Series champion Octavio Dotel have been declared death in the hospital. A great person and lovely person, a lot of strength for his family. We, your friends, will miss you very much,” reported Rodriguez Tuesday.
Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the nightclub’s waste, the former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared death in the hospital. A great man and lovely person, a lot of strength for his family. We, your friends, will miss … pic.twitter.com/lfg5pn9alq
– Mike Rodriguez (@mikeportes) April 8 2025
Among the deceased were also 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 Night Club,” Abinader said. “All auxiliary agencies have provided necessary support and work tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Several media reported earlier Tuesday that Dotel was one of at least eight people recovered during the early hours of the rescue work after a roof collapse at an event where hundreds gathered to look at 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, head of the Center for Emergency Operation in the Dominican Republic, said that the search for the survivors caught in the waste was ongoing.
“We assume that many of them are still alive, which is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that waste,” Mendez said.
Dotel, 51, was a Santo Domingo Native who beat 13 teams in a career that stretched over 1999-2013. He had a career record of 59-50, an era of 3.78 and 109 rescues in 758 matches (34 starts).
He won the 2011 World Series as a member of St. Louis Cardinals.
Nelson Cruz played for eight MLB teams from 2005-23 and was a seven times All-Star.
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