José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, best known by his stage name "El Taiger," has tragically passed away after a week-long battle following a gunshot wound to the head. The incident, which remains unsolved, left the Cuban artist fighting for his life. As fans mourn his loss, details have emerged about his final arrangements, which will see him return to his native Cuba.
Jorge Junior, El Taiger's cousin, shared the plans during an interview with journalist Daniel Benítez for Univision Noticias at Miami International Airport. He revealed that he traveled from Havana to Miami to repatriate El Taiger's remains. According to Junior, the family has decided to cremate El Taiger and return his ashes to Cuba, where they will rest next to his mother's grave.
"He's coming with me to Havana. I brought him here, and I'll be taking him back. He will be cremated and will rest beside his mother in Cuba," Jorge Junior shared during the exclusive interview.
The bond between El Taiger and Jorge Junior extended beyond family ties. The two worked together in the Cuban music group Los 4, of which Jorge Junior is still a member. Although the cousins had parted ways due to disagreements, they later reconciled, and Jorge Junior played a crucial role in El Taiger's career.
Through his support, El Taiger was able to leave Cuba and travel to Miami for the first time. Jorge Junior was the only family member to obtain a humanitarian visa, which made it possible for him to repatriate El Taiger's remains to Cuba.
He will also serve as El Taiger's legal representative, managing the artist's legal affairs and the rights to his music in the United States.
Estuvimos en vivo a la llegada de Jorge Junior para despedir a su primo El Taiger.
Fans and Fellow Artists Honor El Taiger's Legacy
Since the news of El Taiger's passing, hundreds of fans have gathered at the site where the singer was found injured to hold a vigil in his honor. For over 15 years, El Taiger's music brought joy to Latin parties and celebrations, and his fans are now paying tribute to the late artist.
At the scene of the incident and outside Jackson Memorial Hospital, where El Taiger was pronounced dead last Thursday evening, fans have placed photos, candles, flowers, and albums in remembrance of the reggaeton star.
Despite his legal troubles in the United States, El Taiger was beloved by many, and fans have taken this time to reflect on his life and criticize those who spoke out against him during his career.
Hay fotos que no necesitan descripción, esta es una de ellas.... en las afueras de hospital donde falleció #eltaiger #LoMasVisto #LBMA #ElAnimal #lamachine #Otaola #NoTeLoPierdas pic.twitter.com/OAJM6xk0nh
— Fabio-D' Qba (@FabioD_Qba) October 13, 2024
Marianao rindió homenaje a José Manuel Carbajal, conocido como El Taiger, con un mural en su memoria en la avenida 51, cerca de la panadería CubaItalia. Este es el inicio de los tributos en Cuba al reguetonero.
— Alejandro (@Alejand39161614) October 13, 2024
#ElTaiger #Cuba pic.twitter.com/LSrwB93NHq
Jorge Junior llega a Miami y visita lugar donde cubanos rinden homenaje a El Taiger: "Estoy aquí": Jorge Junior, primo del fallecido reguetonero El Taiger, visitó este sábado el altar improvisado en Miami, donde sus seguidores han estado rindiéndole… https://t.co/f0659Hyyuy
— Americateve (@Americateve) October 12, 2024
💥Cientos de fans de El Taiger se reunieron cerca de donde fue encontrado el artista para recordarlo y exigir justicia por su muerte 👇
— Cuballama (@cuballama) October 12, 2024
#CuballamaNoticias #Cuba #cubanos #cubanosenmiami #cubanosporelmundo #eltaigerhttps://t.co/P7EYUWgREf
Before his passing was confirmed, several Cuban musicians and friends, including Cándido Fabré, Chucho Valdés, and Lenier, dedicated musical tributes and prayers for El Taiger's recovery—unfortunately, a recovery that never came.
Cuban urban music artists such as Jacob Forever and Gente de Zona also sent messages of strength and support during El Taiger's battle. It is likely that in the coming days, we could see musical tributes from some of these artists in memory of the Cuban reggaetonero.
As the community continues to mourn, El Taiger's music and legacy live on through the fans and friends who celebrate his life and contributions to Latin music.
El CPCC de Holguin y su equipo metodológico de Danza realiza una velada en homenaje al cantante del género urbano El Taiger. pic.twitter.com/SkanKHCP6d
— Roberto Fernández Rondón (@Roberto96450990) October 13, 2024
@elyonki2021 Me quedo con este abrazo 🫂 🕊️😔🐅#elyonki #eltaiger
♬ sonido original - El Yonki Oficial47
@doctorskelton Y pensar que lo tuve a mi lado y lo salude y nunca más lo volvere hacer 💔😭 #taiger #taiger🐯 #eltaiger #cuba #cubanos #cubanosporelmundo #cubanosenmiami #cuban #cubana #viral_video #tiktokindia #tranka
♬ sonido original - Randy Skelton
@cubatiktok3 Destino habla de la muerte de El Taiger #eltaiger #cubana #cubanos #cubanosenespaña #cubanosporelmundo #hialeah #taigerfalleció
♬ sonido original - cubatiktok3
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