Spanish authorities are investigating the shocking death of a 37-year-old online streamer who died during a private New Year's Eve livestream. The man, identified as Sergio Jiménez, allegedly consumed dangerous quantities of alcohol and cocaine on camera in exchange for money from viewers.
The Fatal Livestream and Discovery
Sergio Jiménez, known to his online followers as "Sancho" or "Sssanchopanza", was found dead at his family home in Vilanova i la Geltrú, near Barcelona. His webcam was still broadcasting to paying subscribers when his younger brother discovered him on December 31st.
According to reports from Spanish newspapers El País and El Periódico, Jiménez was participating in extreme online challenges for money on platforms like Kick and Twitch. Police believe that within a three-hour period, he drank an entire bottle of whisky and snorted approximately six grams of cocaine.
He was found in a kneeling position beside his bed, which family members described as looking like he was praying. His livestream continued to run even as relatives entered the room.
Family Accounts and Disturbing Viewer Reactions
Jiménez's mother, Teresa, recounted the tragic night to El Periódico. She stated that she saw his door ajar around 2 am and tried to enter but was blocked by items on the floor. From outside, she could see him kneeling and initially thought he was praying.
His brother Daniel provided a chilling account to the police. "There was an almost empty bottle of whisky, a couple of cans of energy drinks and a pile of cocaine on a red plate," he said. He also reported hearing voices from the computer asking Jiménez if he was "sleeping off a hangover" or if he had "finished off the whisky yet," even as the family tried to help him.
Teresa added that she had previously warned her son not to drink because he was on medication for psychiatric issues. An ambulance was called, but Jiménez was already dead.
Police Probe and Wider Context of Dangerous Online Trends
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, have launched an investigation and ordered an autopsy. They are exploring potential criminal charges, including "incitement to risky behaviour." Authorities suspect this may be the first death in Spain directly linked to an extreme online challenge.
The case has drawn parallels to other tragic incidents. Jiménez had recently gained attention after appearing in videos by another streamer, Simón Pérez, known for drug-fuelled broadcasts. Pérez himself commented on the death in a YouTube video, stating, "He took a two-gram line. That causes an overdose… It could have happened to me."
This incident is also reminiscent of the death of French influencer Raphael Graven, who died in August after a prolonged, dangerous livestream. In response to the growing concern, the Mossos d'Esquadra released a warning video on January 6th, advising the public against participating in "viral challenges" that threaten life and physical safety.
The investigation continues as police work to understand the full circumstances and hold accountable any parties who may have encouraged the lethal behaviour.
