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.
10 Nelsy Cruz was killed in the nightclub roof collapse. Nelsy Cruz/Facebook
10 Nelsy Cruz was among the 44 people killed in the nightclub collapse. Nelsy Cruz/Facebook
“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.
10 Personnel of Civil Defence and firefighters inspect the Jet Set nightclub after the collapse of its roof, in Santo Domingo, on April 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
10 Police and rescue service members work at the scene after the collapse of the Jet Set Club’s roof in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on April, 8, 2025. ORLANDO BARRIA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
10 Nelson Cruz delivers the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MLB Photos via Getty Images
10 Nelson Cruz of the Washington Nationals celebrates after driving in two runs with a double in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park on June 11, 2022 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
“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.
10 People react at the site where the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed. REUTERS
10 Personnel from civil defense and firefighters work at the Jet Set nightclub following the collapse of its roof in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
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.
10 Nelsy Cruz is the sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Nelsy Cruz/Facebook
10 Nelsy Cruz was the governor of the Monte Cristi province. Nelsy Cruz/Facebook
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.”