Former New York Yankee and New York Met pitcher Octavio Dotel has died in Dominic Republic, the country's government has confirmed.
Dotel was 51 years old and a 15-year Major League veteran. Dotel died in a tragic way at a night club this weekend when the roof collapsed onto patrons of the club. Dotel was reportedly alive when he was pulled from the collapsed ceiling but died on the way to the hospital.
MLB insider Hector Gomez was one of the first to report the news as he took to X and said, "Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel has passed away, after being rescued from the rubble at the Jet Set night club in the Dominican Republic due to the collapse of the roof".
The Dominican Republic Ministry of Sports and Recreation confirmed Dotel's death with an announcement on social media on Tuesday afternoon saying "His legacy on and off the field leaves an indelible mark on national baseball history. Peace to his soul and strength to his family and loved ones."
In addition to Dotel, former player Tony Blanco also lost his life. Two other former MLB players Henry Blanco and Esteban Germán were also at the Jet Set nightclub but they both left before the roof collapsed.
All told officials said at least 79 people were killed, including Nelsy Cruz, the sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Another 160 people were injured.
Commissioner Rob Manfred put out a statement where he wrote "Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night's tragedy in Santo Domingo. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family."
MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark said, "We grieve for all the victims and send a special message of support to the families of Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, who leave an unspeakable void with their passing, and to Nelson Cruz, whose family lost a shining light with the death of his sister, Nelsy."
Dotel is survived by his wife Massiel and their children Eduardo and Nicole.