Pedro Martínez, the iconic MLB Hall of Famer and former Boston Red Sox pitcher, is grappling with the heartbreaking news that several of his family members are still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
The collapse, which occurred on April 8, 2025 at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, claimed the lives of at least 124 people, and many others remain unaccounted for.
Martínez, who has strong ties to his native country, shared the devastating news in an emotional Instagram post, expressing that he and his family are struggling to stay strong during this traumatic time.
“I still have family members that are still in the rubble, and we don’t know what happened to them. We just want to stay strong, like we always have,” Martínez said in the post. His plea for unity and prayers resonates deeply as rescue operations continue at the site.
Rescue operations and the ongoing search
The collapse occurred during a live concert at the nightclub, where former MLB players, including Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, were present, with both tragically losing their lives. Among other victims identified is renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez and the sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, Nelsy Cruz.
As emergency teams continue to dig through the rubble, authorities are working tirelessly to locate survivors. At least 91 bodies have been recovered, with another 155 people reported injured.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the city’s Center of Emergency Operations.
In a show of solidarity, additional rescue teams have been sent from Puerto Rico and Israel to assist in the recovery efforts. Officials are holding out hope that many of the trapped individuals are still alive, as efforts intensify to reach those still buried under the debris.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the MLB community and the Dominican Republic, where Martínez’s family and many others are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
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