Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse, explained: Former MLB players Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco die in tragedy

On Tuesday, the Dominican Republic experienced a tragedy when a roof collapsed on a popular nightclub, killing many of those inside.

Among the victims of the tragedy were former major leaguers, as Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco are two who died in the incident. Additionally, former players Pedro Martinez and Nelson Cruz are among those who have personal connections to the victims.

While officials are still sorting through the scene, here is what we know about Tuesday morning’s incident.

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Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse, explained

Early Tuesday morning, the roof at popular Dominican Republic nightclub Jet Set Club collapsed, resulting in people getting trapped in the rubble of the incident.

Officials who arrived on the scene began to try and clear the devastation, but it took a while before it became clear how many victims there were.

As a result, many people in the Dominican Republic still don’t know the fate of some who were at the nightclub Monday night into Tuesday morning.

How many people died in the Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse?

According to the Dominican Republic police, at least 124 people died as a result of the roof collapsing at the Jet Set Club. That includes Dotel and Blanco, along with Nelson Cruz’s sister and Neifi Perez’s brother, as the four were among the many victims who perished during the incident.

Officials are still sorting through the devastation, so that number could continue to rise as more information becomes available.

Where is the Jet Set Club?

Jet Set Club is a nightclub located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

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What happened to Octavio Dotel?

Former MLB reliever Octavio Dotel was one of the many victims who died when the Jet Set Club roof collapsed early Tuesday morning. He was 51 years old.

Dotel was found alive by rescue workers but died in the ambulance while being transported to a local hospital. MLB released a statement mourning the loss of the former MLB reliever.

We are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of former Major League pitcher Octavio Dotel.

Dotel appeared in 758 games for 13 teams over his 15-year career, including parts of five seasons with the Houston Astros from 2000-2004. On June 11, 2003, he was one of six… pic.twitter.com/4wxawmZv5Y

— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2025

Octavio Dotel stats

What happened to Tony Blanco?

Former MLB infielder Tony Blanco also died as part of the tragedy at the Jet Set Club in the Dominican Republic.

Blanco played just one season in the majors, as he spent 65 games with the Nationals in 2005.

What happened to Pedro Martinez’s family?

Former MLB pitcher Pedro Martinez said on Instagram that he has family members who were involved in the incident.

“I still have family members that are still in the rubbles, and we don’t know what happened to them,” he said.

Martinez also sent his condolences to everyone in the United States and the Dominican Republic who have been impacted.

“It is with a heavy heart that it is my turn to actually send condolences to all our family members and the people here in the United States who have family over there,” he said.

What happened to Nelson Cruz’s family?

Nelson Cruz’s sister, Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martínez, also died in the incident. Nelsy Cruz was the governor of the Montecristi province in the Dominican Republic.

“With profound pain, the Cruz Martínez family informs the passing of our beloved sister, mother, daughter, aunt and friend: Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez who in her life moved with dedication, commitment and love for her people and community,” Cruz said on Instagram.