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Chaos took over Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025, when the roof of the famed Jet Set nightclub came crashing down during a live performance by merengue star Rubby Pérez. As of this writing, the calamity claimed at least 44 lives and left over 160 injured.
Among the attendees was Octavio Dotel, a name that rings bells in Major League Baseball circles. Known for his impressive 15-season career as a relief pitcher, Dotel played for a record 13 MLB teams, including the Houston Astros, New York Mets, and Detroit Tigers. He even snagged a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
© Getty ImagesDuring the Jet Set disaster, Octavio Dotel was initially reported missing, sparking widespread concern. Hours later, relief washed over fans and family as news broke that he had been found alive amidst the debris. Hours later, CDN Noticias reported that Dotel passed away after sustaining injuries. While details about his death remain scarce, he was reportedly sitting in front of the stage, an area packed with heavy speakers and cords.
A Night of Loss and Heroism
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister to former MLB player Nelson Cruz, tragically lost her life in the collapse.
Rubby Pérez, the evening's main act and brother to ex-MLB shortstop Neifi Pérez, sustained injuries but was rescued. Heartbreakingly, his saxophonist didn't survive.
When disaster struck, the venue was reportedly packed with approximately 1,000 to 1,500 patrons. Emergency responders worked tirelessly, pulling over 100 survivors from the wreckage. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, leaving many questioning the structural integrity of such establishments.
© Rubby PérezAs investigations into the Jet Set tragedy unfold, one can only hope for answers and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Who Was Octavio Dotel?
Octavio Eduardo Dotel Diaz, born on November 25, 1973, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was a former professional baseball pitcher renowned for his extensive Major League Baseball (MLB) career.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Dotel was known for his right-handed pitching skills.
© Getty ImagesMLB Career Highlights
Dotel's MLB journey began when the New York Mets signed him as an amateur free agent in 1993. He debuted in the major leagues on June 26, 1999, against the Atlanta Braves. During his debut season, he won his first MLB game on July 1, 1999, against the Florida Marlins. He was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the 1999 National League Championship Series against the Braves. His performance earned him the Player of the Week award for July 25, 1999.
Throughout his 15-season career, Dotel played for 13 different MLB teams, including the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers. This tied him for the second-most teams played for by any player in MLB history.
© Getty ImagesA significant highlight of Dotel's career was winning the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. The following year, he joined the Detroit Tigers and contributed to their journey to the World Series, although the San Francisco Giants defeated them.
Over his MLB tenure, Dotel recorded 109 saves, an earned run average (ERA) of 3.78, and amassed 1,143 strikeouts.
© Getty ImagesPost-Retirement and Recent Events
After retiring from professional baseball, Dotel's name resurfaced in the news due to his involvement in a tragic event in April 2025. He was among the individuals rescued from the rubble following the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub's roof in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The incident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
CDN Noticias reported that Dotel passed away on his way to the hospital.
This story is still in development.
