A politician who donated blood to the victims of the horrific Dominican Republic nightclub disaster has died, according to multiple sources.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Wilmy Nova visited a Red Cross center to donate blood the day after the roof collapsed at the Jet Set Nightclub, per the Mirror. A video on his Facebook page reportedly shows him donating blood while sitting on a hospital bed. He urged supporters of the Social Justice Party to do the same, reportedly saying, "We have responded to the call for mass blood donations in response to the tragedy that occurred last night at the Jet Set. A tragedy that has impacted us all. We ask all young people in our Party to join us and go to any nearby blood donation center."
However, the outlet explains that local sources say Nova died of a heart attack a few days later on Monday, April 14. According to the Daily Mail, Nova's family says he was diagnosed with anemia, which was untreated before he donated blood. However, Elin Rosario, a former Santo Domingo councilwoman, reportedly suspects foul play.
Rosario Alleges The Politician Was Beaten
Per the Daily Mail, Rosario reportedly said, "Wilmy did not die from anemia; Wilmy did not from a heart attack. Wilmy apparently was allegedly abused, beaten by the National Police." She also allegedly stated, "It is not possible for the Red Cross to decide to take blood from a donor, from a person who has anemia. Wilmy's death was not natural. It was provoked." Authorities are reportedly waiting for autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
Multiple sources suggest that emergency services quickly arrived at the Jet Set nightclub. Unfortunately, the disaster still claimed over 100 lives with over 150 injured. The roof collapsed during a concert performed by Rubby Pérez, who didn't survive. Several high-profile figures were also at the nightclub, including Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province.
Octavia Dotel, 51, a professional Dominican pitcher, and another MLB player, Tony Blanco, were among the casualties. Blanco reportedly died at the scene, while Dotel died in hospital after rescuers freed him from the rubble. Authorities believe that the venue had between 500 and 1000 attendees at the time. Witnesses described a blackout inside the club shortly before the collapse.
