Reggaeton star El Tiger has died at the age of 37, a week after he was found shot in the head in a car in Miami.
His family confirmed his death in a message shared on the star's Instagram Story on Friday. Tiger, whose real name was Jose Manuel Carvajal Zaldivar, died Friday afternoon despite doctors' best efforts to save him, his family said in a statement.
They thanked fans for their continued prayers and said, “El Tiger was pronounced dead and is now reunited with his beloved mother in heaven.”
Miami police continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the singer's death.
CORAL GABLES, FL – JULY 6: El Tiger, Univision Celebrating the Hottest Music Artists and Young Latin Changemakers at the Watsco Center on July 6, 2017 in Coral Gables, FL Attended “Premios Juventud” 2017. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Univision)
El Tiger's family asked his loyal fans to keep his memory alive through his greatest passion: music.
“While this news is shocking and heartbreaking, we encourage fans of El Tiger to honor his memory by celebrating the joy he brought to so many. Let’s turn up the music, dance and celebrate his life,” they wrote in a statement.
Around 7 a.m. on October 3, police responded to the scene in Miami, Florida, and found the famous musician in a black Mercedes SUV suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. subway. First responders rushed him to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. Doctors immediately administered first aid and then placed him on life support.
According to reports, Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales said in a statement at the time that El Tiger was in “extremely” critical condition following surgery. TMZ.
CORAL GABLES, FL – FEBRUARY 11: El Tiger performs live on stage at Watusco Center on February 11, 2022 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Lewis/Getty Images)
Law enforcement officials suspect he was shot elsewhere and then driven to a nearby hospital. According to TMZ, police reported that the star was found with two red gas cans in the trunk of his car.
Mr. El Tiger pleaded guilty in the summer of 2024 in two separate cases. One case was related to robbery and battery, and the other was related to a misdemeanor charge of resisting a police officer.
The singer-songwriter released her final single “Bonita” in May. He was a beloved figure in the reggaeton scene, best known for his unique “Cubanton” style. He released his debut album in 2016 and quickly made a name for himself in the Latin music industry. According to Metro, his single “La Habana” was included in the soundtrack of the blockbuster movie “Fast and Furious.” (Related: Famous 90s rapper dies 'unexpectedly' at age 57)
The music industry is reeling from El Tiger's death. Fans, loved ones, and fellow artists have come together to honor his memory and the legacy he left behind.
