Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel’s father, Emilio Dotel, was robbed and killed in 1993.
Octavio Dotel, a veteran of 15 Major League Baseball seasons, died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 51, from injuries sustained when the roof of the nightclub collapsed.
As per the reports, around 66 people died, and more than 160 were injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo crumbled early Tuesday morning during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Perez.
Dotel was recovered from the wreckage but died on the way to the hospital, as per the Dominican National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira.
The incident also took the lives of former MLB player Tony Blanco and the governor of the northern Monte Cristi province, Nelsy Cruz.
St. Louis Cardinals took to their official Facebook handle and poured their heartfelt condolence by stating,
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Octavio Dotel. Dotel was part of our 2011 World Series championship team after being acquired at the trade deadline that season. In 29 games with us, he was a steadying presence in our bullpen, pitching a 3.65 ERA with 32 strikeouts, 3 wins and 2 saves to help jumpstart our magical run to our 11th World Series title. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Octavio’s loved ones and to all impacted by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.
St. Louis Cardinals
The New York Yankees also took their official Facebook handle and mourned the tragic loss of Octavio. They wrote,
The Yankees mourn the passing of former Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel and extend our deepest condolences to Octavio’s family, friends and loved ones. Our hearts are with all those impacted by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic 💙
New York Yankees
However, Dotel will always be remembered for his unforgettable contribution to Major League Baseball (MLB).
Rest in Paradise, Octavio Dotel.
Baseball Pitcher Octavio Dotel Was Raised By His Mother Following Death Of His Father
Octavio Dotel, 51, was born on November 25, 1973, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to his father, Emilio, and his mother, Maria Magdalena Dotel.
He grew up with his two brothers and two sisters, whose identities have been kept private.
According to the source, his father, Emilio, was a military officer who later became a cab driver.
In November 1993, shortly after Octavio Dotel signed his first contract with the New York Mets, his father was robbed and murdered at 53.
Police said that Emilio’s body was found in roadside bushes about five miles from the family’s modest home.
According to the reports, three men had entered Emilio’s cab just before the end of his shift and demanded money, and when he refused, they strangled him, stole around $100, dumped his body, and stole the car.
Octavio was just 20 years old at the time, and Maria raised him as a single mother afterward. She supported him in achieving his baseball dreams.
Maria has avoided social media, so little about her personal life is known. Currently, she is mourning the tragic loss of her son, Octavio Dotel.
Wife Massiel Javier de Dotel Is Mourning The Death Of Her Husband Octavio Dotel
Pitcher Octavio Dotel married Massiel Javier de Dotel in 2006, and they had two children, Eduardo and Nicole Dotel.
Sadly, their married life ended after 18 years following the tragic death of Octavio.
Close friends and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers for Massiel to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Just three days before the deadly collapse, Massiel took to her official Instagram handle and posted a video of herself and Dotel discussing their happy marriage.
Massiel also announced through her Instagram that the funeral services will be held at the Jardin Memorial Funeral Home on Av. 27 de Febrero on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In August 2019, Octavio Dotel was arrested on charges related to a drug trafficking and money laundering operation, while Luis Castillo was cited for related charges.
- Dotel won the 2011 World Series while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- He graduated from Liceo Cansiono Afuera in the Dominican Republic and was signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent in 1993.
