MIAMI – Popular Cuban rapper El Taiger is still fighting for his life at Jackson Memorial Hospital, according to his manager.

His manager held a news conference outside the hospital on Wednesday to address false rumors that the 37-year-old, whose real name was Jose Manuel Carvajal, was dead.

“He’s alive,” said Marcel Reinosa, El Taiger’s manager. “There were some rumors that he had died – but obviously he didn’t die.”

Local 10 News reported last week that Carvajal was found in the back of an SUV after being shot in the head. It was parked near the Jackson Memorial.

Now investigators with the Miami Police Department want to speak with 49-year-old Damian Valdez-Galloso, who has been named a person of interest in the case.

The police have not yet provided any further information about the investigation.

Miami police said they are working with other law enforcement agencies on the case and are pursuing forensic and digital evidence.

The rapper is popular in the Cuban community with 1 million Instagram followers. His fans, family and friends pray that he survives.

El Taiger underwent surgery but remains in critical condition. Relatives say he is hooked up to machines to breathe.

Anyone with information about Valdez-Galloso’s whereabouts is asked to call police immediately.