'Heartbroken': Former MLB player Octavio Dotel reportedly among dead in nightclub collapse
Former MLB player Octavio Dotel was among the dozens of people who died after a nightclub roof collapsed in the Dominican Republic, according to his foundation and a Dominican official.
Dotel died on the way to the hospital after being rescued alive from the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the National Emergency Operations Center, told CNN.
The nightclub was hosting an event at with singer Rubby Pérez performing when the tragic incident occurred.
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Octavio Dotel during his time with the Detroit Tigers. Getty
Pérez was pulled alive from the rubble, according to local media.
"Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night's tragedy in Santo Domingo," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family.
"The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today."
Dotel's educational institution, Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, paid tribute to his loss in a statement.
"His legacy of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education has paved a clear path for our institution, leaving an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him," the statement said.
Dotel pitched for 13 MLB teams throughout his career and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
He was also inducted into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, according to the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League, which expressed its condolences for his passing.
Dotel played for 13 MLB teams. Getty
The Houston Astros also mourned his passing in a statement posted on Instagram:
"Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-2004) of his outstanding 15-year Major League career with the Houston Astros. During his time in Houston, he was one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball and was an important part of a dominant bullpen that included Hall of Famer Billy Wagner and All-Star Brad Lidge."
The confirmed death toll from the incident had reached 66. Earlier, officials had said there were at least 160 people injured.
