Pedro Martinez reveals family members unaccounted for after deadly roof collapse at Dominican nightclub

Pedro Martinez, the Dominican-born baseball legend, has spoken out about the heartbreaking tragedy that unfolded at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. The roof of the club, packed with concertgoers, collapsed suddenly during a merengue performance on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, claiming at least 124 lives. Hundreds more were injured, and rescue workers are still searching through the rubble for survivors.

Martinez, who hails from the town of Manoguayabo, near the capital, revealed that some of his own family members were inside the nightclub when the collapse occurred. “We are all affected,” Martinez said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I still have family members who are still in the rubbles and we don’t know what happened to them. But we just want to be strong, like we have always been.” The pitcher, known for his strength both on and off the field, called for unity and prayer in the wake of the disaster.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of several notable figures, adding to the nation’s grief. Among the dead are former major league baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province and sister to MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the Dominican Republic, a country where baseball is a beloved national pastime.

On Wednesday, dozens of mourners gathered at a funeral home to pay their respects to Octavio Dotel, one of the most well-known figures among the victims. Former sports minister Danilo Díaz expressed his sorrow, saying, “This has been devastating for our country. He was always positive, a collaborator, a friend.” Dotel’s wake was a testament to the love and respect he had garnered throughout his life.

The Jet Set nightclub was a lively scene when disaster struck. As the crowd of musicians, athletes, and government officials danced to the beats of a vibrant merengue concert, the ceiling began to crack. Moments later, dust rained down onto the dancefloor, signaling the imminent collapse. The roof came down in a catastrophic rush, killing some instantly and trapping others under the rubble. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, as the concrete slabs fell without warning.

The suddenness of the collapse has left many still in shock. The nightclub, once a popular venue in the city, has now become a symbol of the heartache and loss experienced by countless families. Rescue operations are ongoing, with search teams digging through the debris in hopes of finding more survivors.


As news of the collapse spread, Pedro Martinez spoke out publicly, offering condolences to the families of the victims, both in the Dominican Republic and in the United States. “It is with a heavy heart that it is my turn to actually send condolences to all our family members and the people here in the United States who have family over there,” he said, emphasizing the deep connection between the Dominican people and their families abroad.

Martinez’s words resonated with many, as he spoke not only as a sports icon but also as a member of the Dominican community. “We’re all sad,” he said, encapsulating the overwhelming grief that has gripped the nation. As the search continues and the nation mourns, his message of unity and strength serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Dominican people in the face of such an unimaginable tragedy.