Reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, popularly known as “El Taiger,” succumbed to his injuries almost a week after being shot in the head in Miami, Florida. He was 37 years old.
The Cuban musician, adored by his fans for his lively performances and music, was discovered severely injured in the back of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV on October 4, 2024, near Jackson Memorial Hospital in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami. He passed away from his injuries on October 10, as confirmed by a statement on his official Instagram page.
The statement on Instagram, written in Spanish, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans in the challenging week after his injury. It also appreciated the medical team at Jackson Memorial Hospital for their efforts to save the artist. The statement mentioned that “El Taiger is now reunited with his mother in heaven,” and his family showed appreciation to those who kept him in their thoughts and prayers. the statement said
According to Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales, El Taiger was in a “very critical condition” when he arrived at the hospital and had undergone emergency surgery. Police believe he was shot somewhere else and was then driven to a location near the hospital.
The police are conducting an investigation and are on the lookout for Damian Valdez-Galloso, a person of interest. Valdez-Galloso, a registered sex offender with a criminal record, was reportedly the last person seen with El Taiger. The police are urging anyone with information about his location to reach out to Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers.
A memorial for El Taiger took place at the spot where he was found injured a week before, near Jackson Memorial Hospital on Northwest 17th Street in Miami, Florida. On the night of his death, grieving fans gathered to pay their respects to the 37-year-old artist. Cars drove by playing his music, adding to the solemn atmosphere of the vigil. Attendees left candles, flowers, stuffed animals, and personal notes in a touching tribute to the beloved figure in the Cuban community.
Jonathan Esponda, a close friend of El Taiger, shared how he was a talented singer and an influential figure in their community. Fan Daniel Andrade reflected on how El Taiger’s music and dance brought joy and created happy memories. Esponda and Aracely Quijano echoed the community’s demand for justice, hoping that the guilty parties would be held responsible.
Oniel Bebeshito, another Cuban artist, expressed his grief on social media, writing, “In a black and white world, you were a color in my personal life and in my career, my brother. Wherever you are, I want you to know that an entire country had faith until the last minute.”
El Taiger, a significant figure in the reggaeton genre, released multiple singles and EPs during his career, amassing a considerable following. His latest song, “Bonita,” was released in May. Despite facing legal issues over the summer, including charges of strong-arm robbery and resisting an officer, to which he pleaded not guilty, he continued to be a cherished figure among his fans, who hoped for his recovery.
The Miami Police Department has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest related to the incident.