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Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel reportedly died at the age of 51 shortly after being pulled from the rubble of a Dominican Republic nightclub after its roof collapsed, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported on Tuesday (April 8).
"Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the rubble of the nightclub, former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared dead at the hospital. A great human being and lovely person, much strength to his family. We, your friends, will miss you very much. #OctavioDotel," Rodriguez wrote on his X account.
Dotel was initially reported to be among at least eight people rescued from the destruction at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the country's capital city, when the incident took place midway through popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez's performance. At least 44 other deaths and 120 injuries were reported to have experienced injuries stemming from the collapse.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, and a saxophonist in Pérez's band were reported to be among the casualties. Dotel pitched for 13 teams during his 15-year MLB career, which included winning the 2011 World Series as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as 100 or more strikeouts during four of his five seasons with the Houston Astros.