Former MLB stars Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel were among 66 people tragically killed after a roof collapsed of a Dominican Republic nightclub.
According to CNN, 66 people were killed when the roof collapsed at the popular Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo. At least 155 people were sent to the hospital, with the outlet reporting that at least 300 people were inside the nightclub when the accident happened.
MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported that former standout pitcher Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was among the 66 people killed. Dotel was only 51.
The Dominican Republic Ministry of Sports and Recreation later announced on X/Twitter that former Washington National player and Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Tony Blanco (44) was also killed in the tragedy:
Lamentamos profundamente el fallecimiento del ex Grandes Ligas, Tony Blanco. Su legado quedará en la historia del béisbol nacional.
— Ministerio Deportes (@miderec_rd) April 8, 2025
Acompañamos en su dolor a sus familiares, amigos y compañeros, y elevamos nuestras oraciones por su eterno descanso.
Paz a su alma 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/InZbetrpDV
Octavio Dotel spent 14 seasons in the majors (1999 to 2013), primarily as a reliever. This included five seasons with the Houston Astros and a short stint in St. Louis that culminated in a championship ring.
Tony Blanco was part of the Boston Red Sox system before getting traded to the Cincinnati Reds in a deal that brought veteran second baseman Todd Walker to Beantown.
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Blanco appeared in 56 games with the Nationals during the 2005 season, their first in D.C. after relocating from Montreal. That year, Blanco batted .177 with a home run, seven RBI and two walks.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ loved ones and families during this difficult time, and we sincerely hope the people who were injured in the roof collapse have safe recoveries.
Tony Blanco Was A Star In Japan
Devastated to hear that former Dragons, BayStars and Buffaloes slugger Tony Blanco lost his life in the Jet Set disaster.
— Gaijin Baseball/外国人野球 (@GaijinBaseball) April 8, 2025
To remember him, I'd like to share his greatest moment, his 2012 CL Wildcard winning Grand Slam. It's still the last playoff series the Dragons have won. pic.twitter.com/re4QOaR60l
Blanco bounced around the minor leagues before starting his pro baseball career in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons in 2009. During his time in NPB, Blanco earned four All-Star game nods and won three Best Nine Awards.
In the NPB, Tony Blanco batted .272 with a .517 OPS and .868 OPS, crushing 181 homers and 545 RBI.
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