The influencer world has taken a tragic turn with the sudden death of 37-year-old Sergio Jiménez during a New Year’s Eve livestream. Known online as “Sancho” or “Sssanchopanza,” Jiménez was reportedly consuming alcohol and cocaine while completing challenges for his audience when he lost his life. This disturbing event underscores the often dangerous lengths to which social media personalities will go to engage their followers and gain views.
Jiménez became an online sensation in 2025 after being featured by fellow streamer Simón Pérez, who has a reputation for pushing boundaries on live streams. On the night of his death, Pérez claimed Jiménez ingested a staggering six grams of cocaine, along with whiskey, raising serious concerns about the pressures influencers face in pursuit of sensational content. Following the incident, the police in Spain have launched an investigation, reminding everyone of the potential consequences of dangerous viral trends.
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it comes a growing responsibility for those who seek fame through social media. What’s seen as entertainment can sometimes have dire consequences, as the deaths of Jiménez and TikToker Nurul Athira Auni illustrate. As society continues to navigate this complex relationship with influencers, it’s worth pondering: can we really balance the search for engagement with our personal well-being?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
