Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel has died following a devastating roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash The collision occurred around 4:30 a.m. Dotel and at least seven others became entombed under the rubble. Rescue crews discovered him alive and transported him to a nearby hospital. Sadly, he did not survive his injuries after being brought to the hospital.
Dotel, a native of Santo Domingo, enjoyed a stellar 15-year career in the MLB. On the field, he dazzled defenders with his dynamic play from 1999 to 2013. He pitched for a remarkable 13 different teams during his career. He retired with a record of 59 wins, 50 losses and an excellent earned run average (ERA) of 3.78. His exceptional performance ranks him 25th with 109 saves in 758 games, of which 34 were starts.
Dotel easily established himself as one of the league’s most reliable hurlers in 2002 and 2003. He made a major league–leading (and team-record) 159 appearances, second highest in the majors during that stretch. He still put up a remarkable ERA of 2.15 over that two-year stint. With this performance, he surely established himself as a future workhorse on the mound. Dotel’s long career culminated in a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
As news of his tragic passing circulated, the Houston Astros, one of the teams he spent five seasons with, released a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night.” Instead they honored Dotel’s unsung contributions over the course of his career. They lauded him as “perhaps the most underrated player in all of baseball.”
In addition to MLB’s reaction, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred commented on his sadness at the loss. He stated, “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo.”
Prior to their home game, the New York Mets held a moment of silence in Dotel’s honor and issued a brief statement mourning his passing: “We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.” Similarly, the New York Yankees extended their condolences, saying, “The Yankees mourn the passing of former Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel and extend our deepest condolences to Octavio’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Eyewitness accounts indicate that Dotel was conscious when first responders found him under the debris. This incident took place at Jet Set, a popular nightlife destination. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Mike Rodriguez, a friend of Dotel’s, shared his grief on social media: “Tragic event: After the authorities saved him alive from the rubble of the nightclub, former MLB player and World Series champion Octavio Dotel has been declared dead at the hospital. Wonderful human and beautiful soul, much love to his family. Those of us who have been your friends will miss you dearly.
