Police in Spain are investigating the death of a streamer who reportedly died during a live online challenge that involved consuming alcohol and drugs. The individual, identified as Sergio Jimenez, 37, is believed to have overdosed after participating in a paid livestream. His family found him deceased at their home in Vilanova i la Geltrú, located near Barcelona, with evidence suggesting he had consumed an entire bottle of whisky and snorted six grams of cocaine within a three-hour period.
Sergio was discovered by his younger brother in a “prayer-like” position beside his bed, while the livestream continued, showing viewers audio of the situation unfolding. The tragedy occurred on December 31, 2023, and on January 5, 2024, authorities confirmed they are treating the case as a potential first death linked to extreme online challenges in Spain.
Investigation into Criminal Responsibility
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation, with the Mossos d’Esquadra confirming they are examining the circumstances surrounding Jimenez’s death to determine if any criminal activity occurred. Investigators are considering whether any viewers or organizers could be held accountable for encouraging risky behavior during the livestream.
Family members expressed concerns about Sergio’s increasingly dangerous online content. His mother, Teresa Jimenez, noted that they had been warned months prior about his activities. “I got up to go to the bathroom just before 2 a.m. and saw the door to his room was ajar,” she recounted. “I asked him what he was doing but he didn’t answer. I could see him kneeling on the bed, as if he were praying.”
When alerted, Sergio’s brother, Daniel Jimenez, rushed to the scene and confirmed that Sergio had already passed away before emergency services arrived. Reports indicate that an almost empty bottle of whisky and a plate containing drugs were found near his computer, which continued to stream audio from viewers who were unaware of the gravity of the situation.
Concerns Over Online Challenges
Sergio’s death has raised significant concerns regarding the dangers associated with extreme online challenges. According to reports, he was streaming to a private audience, with viewers making monetary donations in exchange for increasingly extreme acts. Some viewers were heard asking whether he was simply “sleeping off a hangover” and encouraging him to finish the whisky.
This incident follows heightened scrutiny of extreme livestreaming content in light of other tragedies. The case of French streamer Jean Pormanove, who died last year after a controversial broadcast involving extreme physical challenges, continues to resonate within the community. That investigation examined allegations of abuse and forced consumption of substances, although no charges were filed, and an autopsy concluded that Pormanove’s death was not directly caused by another person’s actions.
As the investigation into Sergio Jimenez progresses, authorities emphasize the need for caution regarding the impact of livestreaming and the potential for dangerous behavior to escalate among participants and viewers alike. The family and friends of Jimenez now mourn a life lost too soon, sparking discussions about the responsibilities of content creators and the platforms that host them.
