The reggaeton star El Taiger has died from injuries sustained from a gunshot wound to his head at the age of 37.
The musician, real name José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, passed away on Thursday (October 10), as confirmed by a statement shared to his Instagram account.
Zaldívar had been found shot on October 3 in a black Mercedes SUV in Miami, Florida, where he was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery, which was said to have left him in “very critical condition”.
The Instagram statement reads: “During this incredibly difficult time, family, friends and followers came together in prayer, hope and support, seeking a miracle. To all who offered their prayers, we thank you. Sadly, this afternoon, El Taiger was pronounced dead and has now been reunited with his beloved mother in heaven.”
“His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical team at Jackson Memorial Hospital for their tireless efforts, as well as to the millions who offered prayers and tributes during his hospitalization.
“These last few days have been incredibly difficult for those who loved him, and the support received from around the world has meant a lot,” it concluded.
Mike Vega, a spokesperson for Miami police, had previously said that it was not clear whether the gunshot had been self-inflicted, but it was added that they do not believe the incident occurred at the site at which Zaldívar was found.
“Our officers are investigating because we think this didn’t happen in the city of Miami,” Vega said (via Independent). “We’re sure that it didn’t happen in that corner where the vehicle was found. This happened in another place; someone brought him here, left him, and left on foot.”
El Taiger’s manager Marcel Reinosa followed those comments by telling CBS News Miami that “nobody on the team believes that he committed suicide, based on what they are saying on the bullet”.
“It was in the front of his head, so I would really doubt someone would shoot himself and then get on the back of the trunk by himself,” Reinosa added.
El Taiger was born in Havana, Cuba and rose to prominence in the reggaeton world, releasing albums including ‘Engagement’ (2017), ‘Amen’ (2019), ‘Blychy’ (2020), ‘Everglades’ (2022) and ‘La Ostia’ (2023). He also collaborated with artists including Niko G, DJ Unic and The Yabo, and only two weeks ago released the single ‘El Punto’ with Charly & Johayron and Babeshito.
His fans have been encouraged in the Instagram post to “celebrate the joy he brought to so many” and “turn up your music and celebrate your life”.
“The Taiger was the feeling of the people, and now we must keep that feeling alive through their music and their legacy.”