Authorities are rushing to identify those who perished after the ceiling of a famous club caved in on Tuesday in Santo Domingo. The number of fatalities has risen to 221 individuals, with several hundred others wounded.
Beyond the gates of the city’s morgue, relatives have been assembling for several days, praying they might identify their lost family members. A representative from the Forensic Institute addressed them with a megaphone, detailing features of those who had passed away. "There's a small tattoo on the right wrist," announced the speaker as grieving individuals clutched photos of their still-missing loved ones.
Octavio Dotel, who played for 13 Major League Baseball teams during his 15-year career and claimed victory in the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, died after the roof caved in at his home country of the Dominican Republic. He had been present at a merengue concert there. He was 51 years old.
"All of us who either faced him or got the chance to play alongside him understand that he was a joyful individual whose personality had this unique blend that made everyone around him feel great. This is a significant loss for all of us," said Miguel Batista, a former MLB player, to journalists.
Condolences have been flooding in for the merengue performer who met his demise that fateful Tuesday evening, Ruben Perez.
The renowned performer met their end during a show at the Jet Set venue.
On Thursday, thousands attended a public tribute for Pérez at the Eduardo Brito National Theatre in Santo Domingo to honor him. Attendees included fans, fellow musicians, and cultural officials who came together to commemorate Pérez's impact on Dominican music.