In a tragic turn of events, speaking about a local gang may have proved fatal for a content creator. Mexican TikTok star César Gastélum was shot and killed on Tuesday while livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Mexico. While the cause behind the shooting is yet to be determined, investigators are looking into whether the attack was tied to Gastélum’s social media videos, where he reportedly mentioned a faction of a local criminal group.

In clips from the livestream that have surfaced across social media platforms, the influencer can be seen standing near a KFC sign with two fellow creators. He was wearing a cowboy hat. The three of them were wearing the uniform of Rappi, an on-demand delivery app operating nationwide. The trio was chatting and joking around.

The clip then shows two people wearing motorcycle helmets approaching Gastélum. The rider’s face was not visible. Gastélum turned to look at them. The motorcycle driver took out a gun. Gastélum’s friends can be heard trying to warn him. However, before any action could be taken, he shot him. The TikToker fell on the ground.

Local police launched a major security operation, and federal authorities are investigating the murder. Authorities said several of his videos and posts mentioned local cartel factions, including groups linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. In some posts, he associated himself with terms like “bélico”, a slang term in Mexican music culture that refers to luxury, weapons, and cartel culture.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that authorities are investigating the murder to find out why it happened. Gastélum boasted a strong presence across major social media platforms. The influencer had almost 600,000 followers on TikTok and over 100,000 followers on Instagram. He created a name for himself by posting lighthearted comedy videos, humorous skits, and social media challenges that he filmed with friends.

Following news of his tragic passing, fellow digital creators and followers flooded his social media profiles with tributes and condolences.

Fellow creator La beba who previously filmed content with Gastélum, took to Instagram stories and wrote, “Descansa en paz. Todavía no puedo creer que esto sea verdad. lo vi y simplemente no me la creí. La vida puede cambiar en un instante. Espero de corazón que donde sea que estés, encuentres toda la paz que mereces. Que Dios te reciba con los brazos abiertos y que tu recuerdo viva siempre en quienes tuvimos la dicha de conocerte. Vuela alto. Descansa en paz.”

Translation: (Rest in peace. I still can’t believe this is true. I saw the news and simply couldn’t believe it. Life can change in an instant. I hope with all my heart that wherever you are, you find all the peace you deserve. May God welcome you with open arms, and may your memory live on forever in those of us who had the joy of knowing you.
Fly high. Rest in peace.)

Diego Coss, his close friend and fellow creator wrote, “Te extrañaré para siempre te amo con todo mi corazón, gracias por ser mi amigo te amo mucho.” (I will miss you forever; I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being my friend; I love you very much.)