Nelsy Cruz, sister of former Mariners star Nelson Cruz, among 113 killed in tragic Dominican Republic roof collapse
Apr 9, 2025, 6:36 AM | Updated: 6:37 am
Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Photo: Eddy Vittini, The Associated Press)
(Photo: Eddy Vittini, The Associated Press)
Nelsy Cruz, the sister of former Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz, was among the 113 killed and 255 injured when a roof collapsed at a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
According to The Associated Press, the roof of the Jet Set Club suddenly fell early Tuesday morning during a concert performed by singer Rubby Pérez—brother of former MLB infielder Neifi Pérez, who was not present at the club.
Nelsy Cruz was the governor of the Monte Cristi province in the Dominican Republic. First responders were able to get her out of the rubble, but she later died at a local hospital. Former MLB reliever Octavio Dotel, who set a then-record for most teams played for with 13, and former MLB utilityman Tony Blanco were among the victims killed in the tragic incident.
Only 32 victims have been identified.
MLB honors the victims
Before last night’s game, the Seattle Mariners honored Cruz and his family with a moment of silence.
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a prepared statement. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”
Cruz was a Seattle Mariner for four seasons, earning three All-Star bids and two top-10 MVP finishes. Seattle was Cruz’ second-longest tenure across his 19-year career, finishing with 163 home runs, 414 RBIs (including a league-high 119 in 2017), 640 hits, and a .284 batting average.
Other victims include saxophonist Luis Solís, who was playing onstage when the roof fell, several Venezuelan bartenders, and an Army captain who left behind four young girls, according to The Associated Press. Grupo Popular, a financial services company, said three of its employees also died, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife.
Investigators are still searching through debris for survivors.
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