Mexican TikTok influencer Cesar Gastelum shot and killed during livestream

Mexican TikTok influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed while livestreaming in Culiacan, Sinaloa, according to local authorities and reports. The 23-year-old creator was reportedly with friends outside a fast-food business when two people on a motorcycle approached the group. A recording of the livestream reviewed by Reuters reportedly showed the person riding the motorcycle firing a gun at Gastelum. The TikTok star had nearly 600,000 followers and was known for making funny videos. No arrests have been confirmed at the time of writing, while authorities continue to look into the shooting.

The shooting happened in Culiacan, the capital and largest city of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico. Gastelum was with a group of friends when two people on a motorcycle reportedly came toward them. According to Reuters, footage from Gastelum’s livestream appeared to show the motorcycle driver firing a gun at the influencer. The attack happened while he was broadcasting to his followers. A security official in Sinaloa confirmed that Gastelum had died following the shooting. He was 23 years old. Gastelum had built a large audience on TikTok, with almost 600,000 followers. He was mainly known for comedy and entertainment content and regularly shared videos with his audience. The shooting has shocked viewers because it happened while Gastelum was live on social media. His followers were able to see part of the incident through the livestream. At the time of writing, authorities have not confirmed any arrests connected to the killing. The reason for the attack has also not been publicly confirmed.

Gastelum's death comes as another tragic case involving a Mexican social media creator being killed while broadcasting live. The incident has drawn attention because livestreams allow people to share moments with large audiences as they happen. In Gastelum's case, his final moments were connected to a broadcast that he was making for his followers. His most recent TikTok post was shared three days before his death. In the video, Gastelum appeared alongside another influencer named La Beba, who was wearing a red dress. Gastelum described the post as a “real strawberry date.” Culiacan has also faced serious violence linked to conflicts between organized crime groups. The city has seen repeated security operations as authorities try to control violence in the area. However, officials have not said that Gastelum's killing was connected to organized crime, and no motive has been confirmed.