Nelson Cruz confirmed that his sister died in the tragedy. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

MLB legend's sister dies in nightclub tragedy in Dominican Republic

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 8:37 PM ET

A seven-time MLB All-Star lost his sister in the nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic.

According to multiple reports, the roof of a Santo Domingo nightclub collapsed on Tuesday morning. At least 66 people are dead, which includes former Athletics pitcher Octavio Dotel. He won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.

Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Montecristi province, was also killed in this horrific incident. She's the sister of former MLB slugger Nelson Cruz. The four-time Silver Slugger winner confirmed this awful news on Instagram.

"With deep sorry, the Cruz Martinez family informs of the passing of our beloved sister, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend: Nelsy M. Cruz Martinez," the statement read.

Cruz revealed that his sister's remains "will be on display at the Provincial Government of Montecristi." A funeral service will be held in her honor.

MLB fans have extended their thoughts and prayers to the Cruz family over the past few hours.

It's still unclear what caused the roof of this Santo Domingo nightclub to collapse. All we know right now is that at least 155 people were rescued from the rubble and transferred to the hospital.

"Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones," Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó wrote on X.

Santo Domingo's national disaster response committee is currently on the ground trying to help.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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