Former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz confirmed his sister, Nelsy Cruz, was among those who died when a nightclub in the Dominican Republic roof collapsed on Tuesday.
She was one of at least 44 people who lost their lives during the tragedy at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.
“With profound pain, the Cruz Martínez family informs the passing of our beloved sister, mother, daughter, aunt and friend: Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez who in her life moved with dedication, commitment and love for her people and community,” Nelson Cruz wrote in a graphic on his Instagram story.
“We are grateful to everyone who has expressed their care and solidarity during this difficult moment,” he continued. “Her legacy of service and love for others will live in our hearts forever.”
Nelsy Cruz was the governor of the Monte Cristi province in the Dominican Republic.
Roberto Ángel Salcedo, the country’s Minister of Culture, shared a message about Nelsy Cruz’s death on social media.
“I deeply regret the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province, which occurred in the tragic event at the Jet Set nightclub,” he wrote on X.
Nelson Cruz, 44, hit 464 home runs over 19 MLB seasons before retiring after the 2023 season.
He was a seven-time All-Star while spending most of his career with the Rangers and Mariners.
Longtime big league reliever Octavio Dotel, 51, also died after being injured in the roof collapse.
Dotel played for eight clubs over 15 seasons, debuting with the Mets in 1999 and pitching for the Yankees in 2006.
Popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing inside the building at the time of the incident, reportedly survived after being pulled from the rubble.
There were at least 160 people injured in the collapse.
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó released a statement in the aftermath and expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
“Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” she said. “My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones.”