Merengue Legend Rubby Pérez and Former MLB Stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco Perish in Santo Domingo Nightclub Disaster

The Dominican Republic has been struck by tragedy as a nightclub collapse has claimed the lives of renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez and former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The incident, which occurred at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, resulted in over 218 fatalities and left hundreds more injured, according to a CBS News report.

Reports indicate that Pérez was performing early Tuesday morning when the collapse happened, his representative confirmed this to CBS News; Dotel, who notably won a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 and Blanco, with a stint in the majors in 2005 and a later career in Japan's professional baseball league, were also in attendance. Additionally, the sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, Nelsy Cruz, was among the victims, as confirmed by the Cruz family Instagram post, she had contacted President Abinader right after the collapse stating she was trapped under debris, as first lady Raquel Abraje told reporters.

The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM) shared their condolences on social media, "The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM), expresses its sorrow for the passing of former pitcher, Octavio Dotel, who was immortalized by the Dominican Sport Pavilion." Meanwhile, MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. expressed his sadness in a statement about the passing of the Dominican athletes and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy; Pedro Martinez, MLB Hall of Famer, also shared his grief articulating that he has relatives who were at the location and their whereabouts remain unknown following the collapse, he proclaimed his sentiments via a video on his social media accounts stating, "We're all sad, we're all affected by the tragedy," as reported by CBS News.

Back in New York where Pérez had recently performed, a vigil was organized outside La Nueva Espana, the venue where Perez had lit up the stage just days prior, "It was spectacular, it was a great night, everyone was so excited, so emotional, everyone was toasting and celebrating, there was champagne," Luis Pichardo told Eyewitness News. The Dominican diaspora in Washington Heights and Paterson, New Jersey, is consumed by grief over the loss of the beloved musician and the others, "The Dominican diaspora right now is in total mourning," stated Victor Urbaez from Dominican American Political Force NJ in a conversation with Eyewitness News.

In Santo Domingo, rescue efforts persist amid fears that more individuals could be trapped beneath the rubble; with the Dominican community in the Tri-State area remains hopeful. Pérez's team shared on social media, imparting to fans and followers, "It is with deep sorrow that we inform the passing our beloved Rubby Pérez. We sincerely appreciate all the love, support and solidarity we have received at this difficult time from family, friends and supporters. His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts," as noted by Eyewitness News.