Movies

Singer Rubby Pérez, former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel among many dead in Dominican Republic roof collapse

BBG News

Renowned Dominican singer of merengue, Rubby Pérez, and previous Major League Baseball pitcher, Octavio Dotel, were tragically reported dead following the collapse of a nightclub roof in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. This unfortunate incident occurred as Pérez was performing at the venue.

124 individuals lost their lives, and several hundred others sustained injuries at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, according to the Associated Press. Rescue efforts continue amidst the debris as the reason behind the club’s collapse remains undetermined.

Pérez’s official Instagram account confirmed his death in a Wednesday morning post. He was 69.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rubby Pérez. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love, support, and sympathy during this challenging time for his family, friends, and fans. The music he created and the person he was will remain forever in our hearts.

51-year-old Dotel spent 15 seasons playing baseball in the Major League Baseball (MLB), representing 13 distinct teams throughout his career, among them being the Los Angeles Dodgers for a brief spell in 2010. Notably, he was part of the St. Louis Cardinals team that won the World Series in 2011.

World & Nation

Rescue crews were still searching for potential survivors more than 24 hours after the collapse.

Last night, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded that has deeply impacted me and everyone at Jet Set, as well as all Dominicans. The senseless loss of life has plunged us into a state of immense sorrow and bewilderment. We are fully cooperating with the authorities, offering our assistance to aid the victims and shed light on what transpired.

As a movie-loving enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share an update on a heartwarming tale unfolding right before our eyes. Yesterday morning, Zulinka Pérez, the daughter of a remarkable musician, made a stunning announcement to local press – her father, miraculously discovered alive amidst the debris following a tragic collapse.

In simpler terms, “The young Perez stated this before learning about her father’s death. Her father was hurt and indoors; she said he was singing as a way to be heard. He often told her, ‘If I ever find myself in trouble, cover me so no one takes photos.’

Additionally, she disclosed that she and her spouse, both backup vocalists for the elderly Pérez, happened to be within the nightclub when the ceiling collapsed.

She stated, “My spouse shielded and fell upon me, ending up pinned down. He urged me, ‘Escape swiftly,’ he said. Unfortunately, the musicians managed to flee; the bassist is in a critical state, undergoing surgery at the hospital; I believe one of the saxophonists didn’t make it.

Entretenimiento

On Tuesday early morning, the roof of a well-known nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed during a merengue concert, which was attended by politicians, athletes, and other notable figures. This tragic event resulted in at least 98 deaths and injuries to over 160 others, according to authorities.

Born as Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera on March 8, 1956, in the town of Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic, Rubby Pérez later came to be known by that name. His music career took off in 1978 following an unfortunate car accident that halted his ambition of playing professional baseball.

During the mid-80s, Pérez was part of Wilfrido Vargas’ groundbreaking merengue band. He embarked on a solo journey in 1987 and saw two of his songs make it onto the Billboard charts. Throughout his career, he worked with numerous successful artists such as Romeo Santos and Toño Rosario.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued statements regarding the passing of Dotel, Tony Blanco (a former MLB player), and Nelsy Cruz, the sibling of ex-MLB athlete Nelson Cruz.

Major League Baseball is profoundly sorrowful over the deaths of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and everyone else impacted by last night’s devastating incident in Santo Domingo,” Manfred expressed in a statement. “Our sincere sympathies go out to the relatives and friends of all those who have been touched by this heartbreaking event, as well as to our fellow team member Nelson and his loved ones. Baseball shares a strong bond with the Dominican Republic, and our thoughts are with every Dominican player and fan in the baseball community today.

Internacional

Approximately an hour after the Rubby Perez concert began at the Jet Set, well-known for hosting merengue parties that attracted both national and international artists as well as prominent Dominicans, the roof nearly collapsed.

In simpler terms, the baseball team, the Houston Astros (where Dotel played from 2000-2004), expressed condolences for Dotel’s passing and acknowledged his significant influence on their team.

The team expressed their deep sorrow upon hearing the devastating news about former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel, who tragically passed away along with others when a roof collapsed in his home country, the Dominican Republic. Dotel, aged 51, played five seasons (2000-04) of his impressive 15-year MLB career with the Houston Astros. In Houston, he was among the top relievers across baseball and played a crucial role in an exceptional bullpen that boasted Hall of Famer Billy Wagner and All-Star Brad Lidge.

Octavio Eduardo Dotel Diaz, born on November 25, 1973, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, first stepped onto the major league stage with the New York Mets in 1999. Over the years, he would earn a reputation as one of the most traveled players in Major League Baseball history.

Over the course of his career in major league baseball, Dotel represented a total of 13 teams, second only to Edwin Jackson who holds the record with 14 teams, achieved in 2019. Besides his victory in the World Series with the Cardinals, Dotel was also a member of the Dominican Republic team that claimed the championship title in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

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2025-04-09 22:31

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