A 37-year-old Spanish influencer died during a private New Year’s Eve livestream after allegedly consuming alcohol and cocaine on camera in exchange for money from viewers, prompting an official investigation and renewed concerns over extreme online challenges.
Sergio Jiménez, a Madrid-based streamer, was reportedly participating in a paid “live challenge” in which viewers sent money for him to carry out increasingly dangerous dares. According to media reports citing investigators, Jiménez had pledged to consume a bottle of whisky and six grams of cocaine during the broadcast. He collapsed before an ambulance could be called.
Jiménez lived with his mother, Teresa, who discovered him unresponsive shortly before 2 am. She told investigators that she noticed the door to his room ajar and received no response when she called out. From outside the room, she saw him kneeling on the bed, appearing “as if he were praying.” Inside, she later found an almost empty whisky bottle, energy drinks, and cocaine placed on a plate nearby.
Authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Spanish media describe the case as the first documented death in the country linked directly to a live-streamed online challenge involving drugs. Police are examining the role of the streaming platform and whether any criminal liability arises from viewers paying for the acts.
Jiménez had gained online attention after appearing in videos by other controversial streamers known for drug use on live broadcasts. His death has intensified debate about the lack of safeguards on streaming platforms and the pressures creators face to perform extreme acts for views and donations.
Without referencing the case directly, Catalonia’s police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, released a public warning this week urging people to avoid viral challenges that can endanger life, health, and future opportunities due to permanent digital footprints.
The incident follows similar deaths in Europe linked to extreme livestream content, reigniting calls for stricter platform oversight and clearer legal accountability.
