Benidorm, January 7: Spanish content creator Sergio Jimenez has died at the age of 37 during a live stream from his home in Benidorm, Spain. The incident occurred during early hours of December 31, while the influencer was participating in a high-stakes online challenge reportedly funded by viewers. Authorities were alerted to the situation when followers watching the broadcast witnessed Jimenez lose consciousness and collapse on camera, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

The death has sparked an investigation by Spanish police into the nature of paid dares and the dangerous extremes of internet streaming culture. Initial reports suggest that Jimenez was performing extreme tasks in exchange for financial donations, a trend often referred to as "danger streaming" or "challenge culture." This design upgrade features a tragic look at the lack of regulation surrounding live-streaming platforms where creators often risk their physical health to maintain high engagement levels and digital revenue. Yulia Burtseva, Russia-Born Italian Influencer, Dies at 38 After Undergoing Cosmetic Procedure in Moscow.

Spanish Influencer Jimenez Dies During Live Streaming

Sergio Jimenez Dies During Live Broadcast On December 31

Sergio Jimenez Cause of Death

Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of death was likely a cardiac event brought on by the consumption of prohibited substances and alcohol. During the live broadcast, Jimenez was seen consuming significant quantities of whiskey and allegedly using cocaine as part of the viewer-funded challenge. These specifications part of the police report suggest that the combination of stimulants and depressants, coupled with the physical stress of the live performance, led to a fatal reaction.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse, but were unable to resuscitate the streamer. Medical experts have highlighted the extreme risks associated with combining such substances, particularly when performed under the pressure of a public audience. The footage of the incident, which remained online for a brief period before being removed by the hosting platform, is currently being reviewed by law enforcement as evidence for the ongoing criminal inquiry.

Spanish Police Investigation into Paid Online Challenges

Spanish authorities are now investigating whether the individuals who paid for the challenge could face legal consequences. Under Spanish law, inciting or paying someone to perform life-threatening acts can carry criminal liability. Investigators are attempting to trace the digital transactions and identify the viewers who encouraged Jimenez to consume the lethal substances. This case is being treated as a potential instance of reckless endangerment or involuntary manslaughter.

The incident has reignited global debates regarding the responsibility of social media companies to monitor live broadcasts in real-time. While many platforms have automated systems to detect prohibited content, the nature of live streaming often allows dangerous behaviour to go unchecked until it is too late. Critics argue that more robust safeguards are necessary to prevent the monetisation of self-harm and high-risk activities on the internet.

Online Safety and Streamer Responsibility

The death of Sergio Jimenez follows a string of similar tragedies in the "IRL" (In Real Life) streaming community, where creators often push boundaries to satisfy an increasingly demanding audience. Mental health advocates suggest that the pressure to stay relevant in the digital economy can lead influencers to overlook personal safety for the sake of viral content. The lack of a formal safety net for independent content creators remains a significant concern for industry watchdogs. Is the Video Showing 'Man Turning Into Dog' at Mumbai's Gateway of India Real or Fake? Viral Reel Is AI-Generated, Reveals Fact Check.

Following the event, several streaming platforms have issued statements reiterating their policies against illegal substances and self-harm. However, the recurring nature of these incidents suggests that enforcement remains a challenge. For now, the Spanish civil guard continues to examine Jimenez's digital footprint and personal communications to determine the full sequence of events leading up to his final broadcast.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2026 02:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).