Former MLB World Series winner Octavio Dotel died Tuesday. He was 51.
Dotel was reportedly one of at least 58 people who died as a result of a nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic, a spokesman for the country’s sports ministry confirmed to USA Today. The Jet Set nightclub roof collapsed early Tuesday morning during a concert. At least 160 people were injured in the incident, per the Associated Press. It is unclear what caused the roof to collapse,
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There were reports Tuesday that Dotel was among those trapped in the rubble following the collapse. Rescue crews searched for survivors Tuesday, per the Associated Press.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under the rubble,” said Juan Manual Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also killed in the collapse.
A standout reliever, Dotel spent 15 seasons in the majors. After breaking in with the New York Mets, Dotel spent five seasons with the Houston Astros. He developed into a strong late-innings option, posting a 3.25 ERA over 449 innings with the Astros. He was used as the team’s primary closer in 2004 before being traded to the Athletics. He saved a career-high 36 games that season.
