Popular Mexican TikTok influencer César Gastélum has died after being shot while livestreaming on Tuesday. Gastélum, believed to be 24 years old, had amassed over 614,000 followers on the platform for his comedy videos and skits.
According to Reuters, Gastélum was livestreaming with friends outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán when two individuals on a motorcycle approached the group. A review of the livestream recording indicated that the driver appeared to fire a gun directly at Gastélum.
A security official in the state of Sinaloa confirmed Gastélum's death. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and an investigation is ongoing.
Sinaloa has experienced rising violence in recent years attributed to a rivalry between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. Crisisgroup.org reported that fighting between two cartel factions, which erupted in September 2024, has resulted in thousands of deaths, disappearances, and displacements.
The U.S. Department of State advises Americans against traveling to Sinaloa due to risks of violence from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
Gastélum's most recent post, shared three days prior to the incident, featured him showcasing his attire during a night out with a friend. His fans expressed shock and grief in the comment sections of his videos following the news of his death.
