Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher recognized for his significant contributions to the sport as well as his tenure as a World Series champion, has died following a devastating roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. He was 51 years old.

Details Surrounding the Tragedy

The incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, a popular venue in the Dominican Republic known for hosting merengue concerts and attracting both local and international artists. The roof collapsed shortly after a performance by noted merengue artist Rubby Pérez.

Reports indicate that the collapse happened nearly an hour into the concert. Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured moments when parts of the roof began to give way, prompting guests to evacuate just seconds before the entire structure fell.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

In addition to Dotel, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, was also victimized by the collapse, calling for help while trapped under the debris. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at a hospital later.

As of Tuesday, nearly 80 individuals were reported deceased, with hundreds more suffering injuries as rescue operations continued. Search teams have been working diligently to locate any remaining survivors amid the wreckage.

Authorities announced that they are still actively investigating the cause of the collapse. The Jet Set nightclub has stated that it is cooperating fully with the rescue teams.

Dotel’s Baseball Legacy

During his illustrious 15-year MLB career, Dotel played for 13 different teams, making his debut with the New York Mets and concluding with the Detroit Tigers in 2013. He was an integral part of the St. Louis Cardinals squad that achieved victory in the 2011 World Series against the Texas Rangers.

His passing has been met with shock and grief within the baseball community, as tributes pour in celebrating his life and career.

Authorities’ Response and Future Actions

As the search for survivors continues, government officials have not provided a timeline for transitioning to a recovery phase. Currently, the focus remains on locating individuals who may still be trapped beneath the rubble, as stated by Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos.

It remains unclear what factors contributed to the structural failure, and further investigations are expected to provide insights in the coming days.