Mexican influencer Cesar Gastelum shot dead while livestreaming with friends in Culiacán

Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on Tuesday while livestreaming with friends outside a fast food restaurant in Culiacan, local authorities said.

Gastelum had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and was known for comedy videos and livestreams.

According to Reuters, he was broadcasting outside the restaurant when two people on a motorcycle, both wearing helmets, approached him and his friends.

A recording of the livestream appeared to show the motorcycle driver firing a gun directly at Gastelum.

⚠️ IMAGENES SENSIBLES | Asesinan al influencer CÉSAR GASTÉLUM en Culiacán mientras grababa contenido

El creador de contenido fue atacado por hombres armados en el sector Tres Ríos, en Culiacán pic.twitter.com/4Cm1nC79SS

— La Tía Sandra (@TuTiaSandra) August 5, 2026

A security official in Sinaloa state confirmed his death and said a significant security operation was underway.

The killing occurred amid persistent violence in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, which has been affected by conflict between rival organised crime factions competing for control.

Gastelum’s death also recalls the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez in May 2025.

Márquez, 23, was shot during a TikTok livestream at the salon where she worked in Zapopan, Jalisco. Prosecutors investigated her death under femicide protocols.

In July, Mexican authorities announced the arrest in Jalisco of Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, known as “El R-1”. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch identified him as the leader of a criminal cell linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Authorities have linked Alvarez Ayala to Márquez's killing and accused him of ordering and financing the November 2025 murder of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo.