Former World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been killed after a roof collapsed in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic, with 43 others dead and hundreds injured
World Series champion Octavio Dotel has died after he was pulled from the rubble of a Dominican Republic nightclub collapse.
The collapse has killed 44 people, with more than 160 others injured. Officials in the Dominican Republic confirmed Dotel’s death as they announced three days of national mourning.
Dotel had been pulled out of the rubble alive, but was not able to survive his injuries and subsequently died in hospital. Dotel played for 13 teams in Major League Baseball and helped the St Louis Cardinals win the 2011 World Series.
At least 300 people are thought to have been inside the Jet Set club venue when it collapsed while merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra performed on stage. Former MLB players Esteban Germán and Henry Blanco were also inside during the performance but were able to escape the collapse.
The ceiling caved in at around 1 am local time, with Dotel thought to have been trapped for 11 hours before he was rescued. Singer Pérez was injured in the chaos and his saxophonist was killed, according to Pérez’s manager Enrique Paulino.
“It happened so quickly,” said Paulino, who initially thought he was experiencing an earthquake. “I managed to throw myself into a corner.”
It is not yet clear why the ceiling collapsed and a Jet Set spokesperson said they would co-operate with the investigation. A statement read: “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay.”
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader confirmed authorities were working around the clock in rescue efforts. He said: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub.
“We have been following the case minute by minute since it happened. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Dotel made his MLB debut for the New York Mets in 1999, with his last appearance coming for the Detroit Tigers in 2013. He ended up with a record of 59 wins and 50 losses, posting 1,143 strikeouts.
He was one of the few players to win both the World Series and the World Baseball Classic, winning the latter competition with the Dominican Republic in 2013. As well as winning those tournaments, he helped to pitched a combined no-hitter on 11 June 2003 while playing for the Houston Astros.