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TikToker Gabriel Salazar Who Died In Police Chase Was Carrying Illegal Immigrants

TikToker Gabriel Salazar Who Died In Police Chase Was Carrying Illegal Immigrants

The social media star was killed after his car toppled over 90 miles from the Mexican border

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Gabriel Salazar was carrying a group of illegal immigrants in his car when he died in a police chase last week, it has been confirmed.

The TikToker was 90 miles from the Mexican border when he became involved in a pursuit from highway police.

According to a report from police, the 19-year-old's Chevy Camaro then toppled over and became engulfed in flames, with Salazar and all three passengers dying.

Zavala County Sheriff's Department has now revealed in an update to its Facebook page that the three passengers were in fact illegal immigrants.

The post reads: "In reference to the motor vehicle accident that occurred on Sunday September 26, 2021, we have been notified by Homeland Security Investigations that 3 out of the 4 males that died as a result of the accident were identified as illegal immigrants from Mexico."

Instagram

The tragic incident was first reported by the police in a statement on 27 October.

They explained that officers had tried to burst the car's tyres, however, they were unsuccessful and the vehicle rolled over.

A spokesperson wrote: "On Sunday September 26, 2021 at approximately 1:20am ZCSO deputy overheard a Crystal City Police Department officer initiate a traffic stop on US Highway 83 at the intersection of FM3292. CCPD officer advised he was in an active pursuit with a white Chevy Camaro that was traveling north on Highway 83 towards La Pryor.

"ZCSO deputy assisted with deploying a tire deflation device but was unsuccessful.

"ZCSO deputy stated that he later heard CCPD officer advise that the vehicle had rolled over and that it was fully engulfed in flames. 4 individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Texas Department of Public Safety is in charge of the investigation."

Salazar joined TikTok in 2019 and had accumulated more than two million followers before his sudden death.

He often shared videos of himself lip syncing and dancing.

On Tuesday (28 September), Salazar's sister, Danna, paid tribute to her brother in post to Instagram.

Sharing some photos of them from their childhood, she wrote: "I love you so much, Gabriel. You were so perfect. I will never forget you.

"Take care of us from heaven, my beautiful child. Always in my heart."

Following the news of his death, fans of the social media star took to the internet to share their condolences.

One user said: "I wish it wasn't true.. RIP man."

Echoing the sentiments, another commented: "Bro what I only hung out with you once but you were so chill and lit rest easy."

"His IG stories & Tiktoks would always brighten up my days he seemed like a very genuine soul," put a third.

While another added: "Miss u so much bro."

Featured Image Credit: Instagram

Topics: Police, Social Media, US News, Facebook, TikTok