MIAMI – A well-known Reggaeton artist is in critical condition after being found in the back of an SUV with a gunshot wound to the head.
Friends and fans of Cuban Reggaeton artist El Taiger, whose real name is Jose Manuel Carvajal, gathered outside of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center on Thursday night after learning of what happened.
“He’s fighting for his life right now, he’s still alive thank God, and we’re praying for him,” said Nelson Martinez, El Taiger’s former manager.
Police said they found the 38-year-old with a gunshot wound to the forehead just a few blocks from the hospital early Thursday morning.
6 p.m. report:
Marcel Reinosa, the artist’s manager, said police found the singer’s body in the hatch area of an SUV.
“They found his body in the trunk of the car and apparently somebody was driving around, they tried, I guess they tried to take him to the hospital, but they didn’t, and they just left him a couple of blocks away from Jackson,” said Reinosa.
El Taiger has racked up millions of views on YouTube and is well-known on the island for his unique take on urban music.
“Everybody is hurting,” said Martinez. “A lot of friends, he was a great guy.”
Supporters and his management team have rejecting initial speculation that the singer may have fired the shot himself.
“That’s false, completely false,” said Martinez. “This guy loved life, he’s not going to kill himself.”
Added Reinosa: “I cannot say he took his life because he was in the trunk of the car, so how would he take his life, he would not be in the trunk of the car.”
His management team told Local 10 News he remains in critical condition and is fighting for his life.
Miami Police said they are speaking to one person in relation to the incident, but that person is not detained or facing any charges.
Authorities said they are planning to release more information about theri investigation on Friday morning.