In the heart of Santo Domingo, the vibrant rhythms of merengue echo through the night, drawing communities together in celebration. Yet, on April 7, 2025, this harmony was shattered when a beloved local venue became the epicenter of an unforeseen catastrophe. The Jet Set nightclub, known for its lively performances, experienced a devastating roof collapse during a live show, leading to significant loss and mourning within the Dominican Republic and the global community. Joining those who offered condolences, Juan Soto penned down a heartfelt note. 

The deadly incident struck during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The sudden collapse of the roof resulted in the deaths of at least 113 individuals and left over 160 injured. Among the deceased were former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, former MLB player Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the sister of Nelson Cruz.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Mets outfielder, Soto, highlighted his profound sorrow by writing, “With a broken heart, I join in the pain that overwhelms the families of our country due to the tragedy at Jet Set. I want to express my sincerest condolences to the families who today mourn the loss of their loved ones”.

The star continued, “In such difficult moments, words fall short, however, I want you to know that my heart and our prayers are with each one of you. I ask God to give you comfort and strength to get through this moment”. The $765 million outfielder also acknowledged the efforts of the helpers, expressing his gratitude to them, saying, “To our aid agencies, rescuers, and volunteers, I extend my thanks for standing toe to toe with our people. God bless you always and keep you safe”.

The loss of Dotel has deeply affected the MLB community. He was known for his 15-season MLB career and as a key contributor to the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series win. Blanco, known for his international play, is also mourned. The passing of Nelsy is particularly poignant due to her role as a public servant and her familial ties to MLB. 

Soto’s former team, the New York Yankees, also offered their condolences for the tragic losses of everyone from Tuesday night. One of the victims—Dotel made his debut with the Yankees in 1993, when he signed as an amateur free agent. Six years later, he began making waves in the major leagues. “Our hearts are with all those impacted by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic,” they wrote on X. 

The Dominican Republic has declared three days of national mourning. The flags were at half-mast, and a collective sense of grief enveloped the country. The international baseball community stands in solidarity, providing condolences and help at this challenging time.

After Juan Soto, entire MLB came together off the field when tragedy struck

Baseball could be a game of stats, however, when tragedy hits, it is all heart. After the tragic death of the three MLB family members, multiple other stars from the community have reacted. For instance, Jon Heyman shared his heartbreak by saying, “So sorry to hear about the tragedy in Santo Domingo that killed former pitcher Octavio Dotel, the sister of Nelson Cruz, Nelsy, and many more. Octavio played for 13 teams and he was undoubtedly a joy for every last one of them. Just a delightful guy”.

This isn’t the first time. Over the years, MLB has stood tall in the face of heartbreaking situations. From José Fernández’s sudden passing in 2016 to the untimely death of Tyler Skaggs in 2019, MLB has faced its fair share of tragedies. And in these situations, the league consistently comes together—providing moments of silence, tributes, and public support that transcends competition. It is in these moments that the sport highlights its soul. It is not just about playing 162 games; it is about showing up for each other when it matters most.

Adding to the heartbreak, tragedy struck just days earlier when Brett Gardner’s son, Miller Gardner, died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The former Yankees star and his family were left devastated by the sudden loss. “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the Yankees said in a statement. With this statement, the MLB community once again rallied around his loved ones. They prove that when the lights go out, the brotherhood of baseball keeps burning strong. Such parallel tragedies have cast a somber shadow over the early season. However, they have also reminded us how deeply personal this game can be.

Situations like these remind us that baseball is not just related to home runs and highlight reels. It is related to humanity. Fans, players, and teammates mourn together, highlighting how closely the sport mirrors life. If such stories moved you, take a moment today to check in on someone you care about. Because the community, just like baseball, is built pitch by pitch.