Cuban singer and leader of the group Los 4, Jorge Junior, has arrived in the United States as of Friday night. He traveled to Miami to bid farewell to his cousin, the reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, popularly known as El Taiger. El Taiger passed away on Thursday after being in critical condition in a hospital, following a gunshot wound to the head.
"He's going back to Havana with me. I brought him here, and I'll be the one to take him back. He will be cremated and laid to rest next to his mother in Cuba," Jorge Junior expressed to journalist Daniel Benítez from Univision News. The relationship between Jorge Junior and El Taiger was both familial and professional, having worked together in Los 4. They had overcome previous challenges and were enjoying a strong bond as cousins.
El Taiger's initial trip to Miami was alongside Jorge Junior. This connection makes it particularly poignant for Jorge Junior, whose voice almost broke while stating that he would also be the one to return his cousin to their homeland, where he will rest beside his mother.
El Taiger's Tragic Passing in Miami
El Taiger’s death in Miami has been a devastating blow to his family back in Cuba, who were unable to be with him during his hospitalization due to the violent act that ultimately took his life. After enduring an agonizing wait, Jorge Junior received a humanitarian visa and promptly traveled to Miami to represent his family in saying goodbye to El Taiger.
Currently, it remains uncertain whether a funeral will be held in Miami before the artist's body is cremated. Fans of El Taiger in the city have created a makeshift street altar to honor him at the site where he was gravely injured on October 4, near Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Legal and Investigative Proceedings
Jorge Junior will serve as the legal representative responsible for managing all affairs related to his cousin's death and El Taiger's professional matters in the United States. Meanwhile, the police investigation in Miami is ongoing as authorities work to solve this complex homicide case, describing it as a puzzle with missing pieces. They have appealed for public assistance from anyone who might possess crucial information.
Officials have been searching for Damián Valdez-Galloso, also known as "El Narra," who may hold key information about the tragic event. However, they have clarified that he is not considered a suspect in the crime.