José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, better known as “El Taiger,” has died at 37, nearly a week after suffering a gunshot wound to the head in Miami, Florida.
The Cuban reggaeton star, beloved by fans for his music and energetic performances, was found critically injured in the back of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV on October 4, 2024, near Jackson Memorial Hospital in the Allapattah neighborhood. He died from his injuries on October 10, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram page.
The announcement on Instagram, which was written in Spanish, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans during the difficult week following his injury. It also thanked the medical staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital, who did all they could to save the artist. “El Taiger is now reunited with his mother in heaven,” the statement said, with his family extending appreciation to all who kept him in their thoughts and prayers.
Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales revealed that El Taiger was in “very critical condition” upon his arrival at the hospital and had undergone emergency surgery. Authorities suspect he was shot at a different location and subsequently driven to a neighborhood close to the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are searching for Damian Valdez-Galloso, a person of interest. Valdez-Galloso, a registered sex offender with a criminal history, was reportedly the last person seen with the artist. Police are encouraging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers.
A memorial for El Taiger took place at the location where he was found the previous week, near Jackson Memorial Hospital on Northwest 17th Street in Miami. On the evening of his passing, mourning fans gathered to honor the 37-year-old Cuban reggaeton artist. The scene was filled with passing cars playing his music, which added a somber backdrop to the vigil. The crowd left candles, flowers, stuffed animals, and personal notes, creating a poignant tribute to a beloved figure in the Cuban community.
Jonathan Esponda, a close friend of the artist, shared his thoughts on how El Taiger was a talented singer and an influential presence within their community. Daniel Andrade, another fan, reflected on how the artist brought happiness and provided joyful memories through his music and dance. Esponda and Aracely Quijano emphasized the community’s call for justice, expressing a desire for those responsible to be held accountable.
Fellow Cuban artist Oniel Bebeshito shared 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.”
A prominent figure in the reggaeton genre, El Taiger released numerous singles and EPs throughout his career, earning him a significant following. His most recent song, “Bonita,” was released in May. He faced legal troubles over the summer, including charges of strong-arm robbery and resisting an officer, to which he pleaded not guilty. Despite his run-ins with the law, he remained a beloved figure among his fans, who rallied around him in hopes of a recovery.
The Miami Police Department has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest related to the incident.
