Ex-MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel dies after nightclub roof collapse - ESPN

Former major league pitcher Octavio Dotel was among the dozens who died after the roof of an iconic nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic early Tuesday morning, the Dominican National Police confirmed.

At least 44 people were killed, a number that also included Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Another 160 people were injured, according to the Dominican civil defense.

The collapse occurred around 1 a.m. during a merengue concert, which drew athletes, politicians and others to the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital. It wasn't immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse.

The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic also confirmed Dotel's death on social media.

Dotel, who logged 36 saves for the Houston Astros and the Athletics in 2004, was pulled from the rubble about six hours after the collapse and was transported to a hospital.

«Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died,» Dominican National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira said.

Dotel, 51, started his major league career in 1999 with the New York Mets. In 2011, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series. During his 15 years in the majors, Dotel recorded 109 saves and logged a 3.78 ERA.

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.

Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major… pic.twitter.com/wQui3h7rko

Nelsy Cruz had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. saying that she was