Ex-MLB Star Tony Blanco Dies Saving Friend in Roof Collapse

• Apr 09, 2025

Former Major League Baseball player Tony Blanco has been hailed as a hero after saving a friend’s life before dying in a tragic roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. The incident happened early Tuesday morning at the popular Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

According to former MLB player Esteban Germán, Blanco noticed the roof was about to collapse and quickly pushed him out of harm’s way. Germán had just returned to their table from the bathroom when the tragedy struck. Sadly, Blanco was killed moments later when the roof came down.

Blanco, 43, played for the Washington Nationals in 2005, appearing in 56 games and hitting one home run. Though his Major League career was brief, he spent several years in the minor leagues and also played professional baseball in Japan. His son, Tony Blanco Jr., is currently part of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system.

The devastating roof collapse killed nearly 100 people, including Blanco, former MLB World Series champion Octavio Dotel, and Nelsy Cruz, sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. The Jet Set club is a well-known venue in the Dominican Republic, especially famous for its Monday night parties that feature live performances from major artists.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” he said. “The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”

Emergency workers have been tirelessly working at the scene to search for survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of emergency operations, said rescue teams were still sifting through the rubble on Tuesday evening. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people,” he said.

Merengue singer Rubby Perez was performing at the club when the collapse happened and is among those still missing. His manager said Perez believed it was an earthquake and managed to dive into a corner to protect himself.

This tragic event has shaken the baseball community and the Dominican Republic, highlighting both the fragility of life and the courage of those like Tony Blanco, who put others first.