Former Major League pitcher Octavio Dotel, fellow former Leader Tony Blanco and longtime major league player sister and current MLB special advisor to baseball business Nelson Cruz, died tragically in a nightclub incident in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.
Dotel spent one season with the Los Angeles , but Nelsy Cruz was a sister to Nelson Cruz, who was a special advisor to the during his post-play career.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has issued a statement regarding the tragic incident at Santo Domingo.
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passing of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruise and all the victims of last night’s tragedy at Santo Domingo. Dominican players and fans throughout the game today.”
MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark also issued a statement.
“The Players Association is devastated beyond words by the tragic events of Tuesday morning in the Dominican Republic. We sadden all the victims and send special messages of support to the families of Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. We will keep the island in our thoughts and prayers as this situation continues to unfold.”
At least 66 people have been killed and more than 150 have been taken to hospital after the roof of a nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic. The incident occurred around 1am at the Jetset Nightclub in Santa Domingo.
Dotel played for 13 teams in his 15-season major league career. He appeared in 19 games with the in 2010 and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
Blanco appeared in 56 games with the Washington Nationals in 2005.
Nelsicruz was governor of the state of Monte Christi of the Dominican Republic.
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