Tragic Roof Collapse at Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo Claims Lives of Former MLB Players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, Along with Latin Music Icon Rubby Pérez and Other Victims, Leaving a Community in Mourning

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — April 8, 2025 — A deadly roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo on the night of April 8, 2025, has left a community in shock and mourning. Among the victims believed to have died in the collapse are former Major League Baseball (MLB) relief pitcher Octavio Dotel and former MLB player Tony Blanco, along with several others. The tragedy has not only shaken the Dominican Republic but has also sent shockwaves through the global sports community.

The Incident

The collapse occurred around 12:44 a.m. local time during a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash, followed by the sound of screams as the ceiling gave way without warning. Approximately 300 people were inside the nightclub at the time of the collapse, and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, working to rescue those trapped under the rubble.

Among those who were pulled from the wreckage were multiple individuals with serious injuries, some of whom were rushed to local hospitals. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with at least 79 confirmed dead, including Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time.

Victims Identified

The victims include:

• Octavio Dotel (51): A former MLB pitcher with a 15-year career, Dotel played for several teams, including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a key player in the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series victory and was known for his fiery fastball and closeness with his teammates.
• Tony Blanco (42): A former MLB infielder, Blanco had stints with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He also played in Japan and was known for his power-hitting abilities.
• Rubby Pérez (69): A famous merengue singer and cultural icon in the Dominican Republic, Pérez was on stage when the roof collapsed. His music brought joy to millions, and his loss is deeply felt by fans and the Latin music community.
• Nelsy Cruz (50): The sister of baseball slugger Nelson Cruz, Nelsy was a prominent figure in the Dominican community. Her tragic death has added to the widespread grief felt by family, friends, and colleagues.

Reaction and Tributes

The news of Dotel and Blanco’s deaths has deeply affected the baseball community. Teams, players, and fans have expressed their sorrow, remembering both men for their contributions to the sport and their positive influence off the field.

The St. Louis Cardinals, one of the teams Dotel played for, issued a statement offering condolences to Dotel’s family. The Houston Astros, where Dotel spent several years, also released a heartfelt message honoring his legacy. Players across the league, including current and former teammates, have taken to social media to express their shock and grief.

Rubby Pérez’s passing has resonated throughout the Latin music world, with many celebrities, musicians, and fans paying tribute to his legendary contributions to merengue music.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, honoring the lives lost in the nightclub collapse. He visited the site to offer condolences to the victims’ families and oversee the continued rescue and recovery efforts.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

As authorities investigate the cause of the roof collapse, questions are being raised about the safety standards at the Jet Set nightclub. Initial reports suggest that the collapse occurred without warning, during a packed event. The Dominican authorities have stated that they are committed to fully investigating the structural failure and holding anyone responsible accountable.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” said José M. Sánchez, head of the Dominican Ministry of Public Health. “The safety of our citizens and visitors is paramount, and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted.”

This tragic incident has reignited discussions about building safety and the importance of adhering to proper construction and maintenance standards for public venues. Many are calling for stronger regulations and more rigorous enforcement to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

A Loss for Sports and Music

The loss of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Rubby Pérez is a blow to both the world of sports and Latin music. Dotel and Blanco’s careers were marked by their hard work, dedication, and passion for baseball, while Pérez’s music left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Dominican Republic and beyond.

The death of these influential figures has left many grieving, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and remembrance in the face of tragedy. Fans, teammates, and loved ones are honoring the memories of those who were lost, and their contributions to both baseball and music will never be forgotten.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse continues, the Dominican Republic and the world continue to mourn the loss of these beloved individuals. In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, the hope is that the lessons learned will lead to greater attention to safety standards in public venues, ultimately preventing such a loss of life from happening again.

The families of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Rubby Pérez, and the other victims have expressed their grief, and they ask for privacy as they mourn. However, the outpouring of support and condolences from the global community has shown that the impact of their lives will continue to be felt for years to come.

For more information on the ongoing investigation, please refer to the official statement from the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health and the Santo Domingo Police Department.