Octavio Dotel, MLB Star, Dies in Dominican Nightclub Roof Collapse, 44 Dead

Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel tragically passed away at the age of 51 following a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which killed at least 44 people and injured over 160. Dotel was among those rescued from the rubble but succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. The incident occurred during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, with initial reports indicating Dotel was alive when found by rescue workers. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, was also among the deceased. Dominican President Luis Abinader has announced a three-day national mourning period in honor of the victims, and investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. Dotel, known for his 15-season MLB career, played for 13 teams and won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.