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In a devastating nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Tony Blanco tragically died while attempting to shield his friend, ex-baseball player Esteban German, from falling debris. The incident at the Jet Set club claimed the lives of at least 58 individuals, prompting widespread mourning and highlighting the profound connection between baseball and the Dominican community.
Heroic Act by Tony Blanco
According to Hector Gomez, a respected Dominican Republic baseball reporter, Esteban German was returning to his table from the restroom when a section of the ceiling began to give way. In a selfless act, Tony Blanco pushed German out of harm’s way, saving him from the cascading debris.
While German survived this near-fatal incident, Blanco, aged 43, succumbed to his injuries in the tragic collapse.
Octavio Dotel Among MLB Players Killed
Tony Blanco is the second former MLB player confirmed to have perished in the Jet Set club catastrophe, which occurred at 12:44 am local time on Tuesday.
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Octavio Dotel, another MLB veteran, also died in the incident. Initial reports on Tuesday suggested Dotel had been rescued from the rubble after calling for help, creating a brief window of hope.
Tony Blanco died while trying to protect his friend from falling debris during the nightclub’s collapse.
Dotel’s Death Confirmed
However, Angel Dotel, Octavio’s brother, clarified to El Nuevo Diario newspaper that his brother died before rescue attempts could pull him from under the wreckage.
Dominican television station Supercanal reported that first responders had heard Dotel, a World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, calling for assistance.
Throughout his 15-season major league career, Dotel played for 13 teams, achieving a 59-50 record with a 3.79 ERA and 109 saves across 758 games, including 34 starts.
Other Victims of the Santo Domingo Tragedy
Nelsy Cruz, sister of celebrated MLB slugger Nelson Cruz, also lost her life in the devastating nightclub collapse.
Esteban German, who survived due to Blanco’s bravery, played second base for teams including the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics. Blanco’s MLB career included stints with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.
MLB Expresses Condolences
Major League Baseball released a statement Tuesday evening expressing profound sorrow over the tragic events:
‘MLB is deeply saddened by the deaths of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo.’
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family.’
‘The bond between baseball and the Dominican Republic is strong, and we are keeping all Dominican players and fans in our thoughts during this difficult time.’
Further Updates to Follow
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