Former MLB Star Octavio Dotel Passes Away Following Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy
This is a 2013 photo of relief pitcher Octavio Dotel of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. This image reflects the Tigers active roster as of Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, when this image was taken. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Jet Set nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic this morning (April 8) has claimed the life of an MLB icon and World Series champion. According to multiple local reports, Octavio Dotel was among the dozens killed in the tragedy.
During a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, the roof of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo fell on the attendees. According to the Associated Press, at least 160 people, including Pérez, were injured while the death toll has risen to 44. Dotel, who was born in Santo Domingo, played for 13 major league teams during his 15-year run with the MLB. In 2011, he won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. In October 2014, Dotel officially retired from the MLB.
Following the collapse of the night club, initial reports said that Dotel was pulled from the rubble after calling out for help. It was thought that he was among the survivors. Now local Dominican media like Diario Libre and El Caribe are reporting that Dotel arrived at the hospital without vital signs and that he died at 51 from his injuries.
Since the announcement of Dotel’s death, many people online are sharing their condolences.
On X, the Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM) wrote that the organization “expresses its sorrow for the death of former pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was immortalized in the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame.” MLB insider Mike Rodriguez added, “A great human being and lovely person, much strength to his family. We, your friends, will miss you very much.”