Report: David Ortiz in stable condition after being shot, hospitalized in Dominican Republic
Former Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz is in stable condition and is recovering after he was shot in a bar in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night, according to multiple reports.
Ortiz was shot at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo, and transported to a local hospital. According to the Associated Press, Ortiz was ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle, approached him and shot him in the back at near-point-blank range just before 9 p.m. local time.
Ortiz was shot in the lower back, and the bullet exited through his stomach, according to ESPN. The 43-year-old reportedly told the emergency room doctor, “Please don’t let me die, I’m a good man,” before going into surgery.
According to Dionisio Soldevilla of Periodico Hoy, Ortiz is out of surgery and in stable condition. Ortiz’s father, Leo, told Soldevilla that he is now resting, no major organs were affected and a total recovery is expected. The Red Sox have offered Ortiz a private plane to fly him to the United States for further treatment if necessary, too, according to ESPN.
The suspect was captured and badly beaten by bystanders at the bar before he was arrested by police. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, according to the Associated Press.
“Late last night we were made aware of an incident involving David Ortiz in the Dominican Republic,” the Red Sox said in a statement on Monday morning. “David’s family has confirmed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower back/abdominal region. David is being treated at Clinica Abel Gonzalez in Santo Domingo where he is recovering after surgery.
“We have offered David’s family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep them in our hearts.”
Ortiz, who was born in Santo Domingo, played in the MLB for 20 seasons, most notably for the Red Sox. The 10-time All-Star led Boston to three World Series titles in 2004, 2007 and in 2013 before he retired after the 2016 season.
More from Yahoo Sports:
