MLB Star Octavio Dotel Dies in Nightclub Collapse

World Series champion Octavio Dotel among at least 44 killed in a catastrophic roof collapse—nation mourns a sports icon lost too soon.

Former MLB player Octavio Dotel was among the dozens killed when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed on Tuesday, according to his foundation and a Dominican official.

Dotel was rescued alive from the rubble but died on the way to the hospital, Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the National Emergency Operations Center, told CNN.

His educational academy, Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, paid tribute to him 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.”

At least 15 people were confirmed dead and dozens more injured in the incident, which took place at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in the capital city of Santo Domingo. Another report raised the death toll to at least 44.

Dotel, 51, played for 13 teams throughout his MLB career and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. He was also inducted into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, and the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) expressed condolences on social media.

The Houston Astros, with whom Dotel played for five seasons (2000–2004), also mourned his loss on Instagram:

“Dotel was one of the top relief pitchers in all of baseball during his time in Houston and a key part of a dominant bullpen that included Hall of Famer Billy Wagner and All-Star Brad Lidge.”