Cuban Reggaeton Singer El Taiger in Critical Condition Following Shooting Incident

Messages of support have poured out from musicians and industry executives as Cuban reggaeton singer El Taiger fights for his life after being found with a gunshot wound to his forehead in Miami, under circumstances that police are still trying to unravel.

According to Miami police, the 37-year-old artist, whose real name is José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, was discovered around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday near Northwest 9th Avenue and 17th Street. He was subsequently hospitalized at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Carlos Alfaro, a representative for the singer, reported that a surgeon informed him El Taiger had suffered significant brain damage and remained on life support machines.

While authorities have not confirmed if the wound was self-inflicted or came from another individual, Miami police spokesperson Mike Vega told NBC6 on Thursday evening that there was no evidence the shot was fired inside the vehicle. Vega stated in Spanish: “Our officers are investigating, because we think this didn’t happen in the city of Miami. 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 was found in the third row of the SUV, with first responders needing to open the trunk to extract him. Authorities also noted video evidence showed two gallons of gasoline in the vehicle. Presently, no suspects are in custody, although police have spoken with a person of interest linked to the investigation.

The incident has drawn substantial concern and empathy from the music community. Alexander Delgado, of the Latin Grammy-winning duo Gente de Zona, expressed distress, saying, “This is a suckerpunch not [just] to me, to all the Cubans that listen to his music, to all his friends and to the whole genre. When there’s a situation like this, all we need is support.” Delgado urged an end to speculation, noting that little was known about the situation.

Randy Malcom Martínez, also of Gente de Zona, was present at the hospital, commenting on his longstanding friendship with El Taiger and the uncertainty of the situation. “We’re not talking about a new friendship… We have to wait and see what’s going to happen,” he said.

DJ Conds, El Taiger’s main producer, conveyed the sense of devastation amongst the singer’s acquaintances. “It’s a blow–we’re still processing what’s happening, and we don’t have much information… but we’re all devastated,” he stated outside the hospital.

Narratives about the incident vary, with El Taiger’s attorney mentioning to Telemundo 51 that “certain evidence could suggest that there was another person with him.” The attorney refuted online rumors and emphasized El Taiger’s peaceful nature, urging the public to pray for his recovery.

Kevin Eiroa, an A&R representative at OneRPM, El Taiger’s record label, praised the artist’s impact and character. “He is an incredible artist and human being who is loved not only by his fans but by artists and anyone that gets to know him,” Eiroa said, expressing sorrow over the unfolding events and sending best wishes for El Taiger’s recovery.