Tragedy struck the online gaming community in Chile as a head-on collision claimed the lives of six people, including a 28-year-old influencer known as Maru Rockets, whose real name was María Ignacia Celedón. The fatal accident occurred when her taxi collided with a vehicle carrying four passengers on a road in the southern Patagonian city of Punta Arenas.
María Ignacia Celedón, widely recognized as Maru Rockets on social media, was returning from a weekend trip when the devastating crash occurred on a Monday morning. The collision resulted in the deaths of Celedón, her taxi driver, and all four occupants of the other vehicle. According to Traffic police captain Álvaro Baquedano, one of the vehicles involved crossed over the road’s median line at an exceptionally high speed, causing the catastrophic head-on collision.
Tragically, Celedón’s boyfriend, Ignacio Carrasco, also known as DimeNacho, was injured in the accident, suffering a fractured clavicle. Her friend Yang Hsin, known as ShiniPan, sustained injuries as well and had to undergo surgery. As of Thursday, both Carrasco and Hsin were still being treated at the Magallanes Clinical Hospital.
Sofia Carrasco, Ignacio Carrasco’s sister, took to social media to address rumors about her brother’s condition, confirming that he was physically stable but expressing the family’s deep grief and sorrow over the loss of María Ignacia Celedón. The family appreciated the support they received and asked for thoughts and prayers for Ignacio’s recovery and for Maru’s soul to find peace.
María Ignacia Celedón had a significant presence on social media platforms, particularly on YouTube and Twitch, where she amassed a dedicated following of over 8,000 followers. She first gained attention in the online gaming community by streaming her gameplay of the team-based game Valorant. Her infectious energy and genuine passion for gaming endeared her to her fans, leading her to become a well-known figure in the esports industry.
Beyond her success as an influencer, Celedón was an accomplished individual, having earned a degree in theater and television from the University of Chile in 2019. Her rise to fame in the online gaming world came about a year later when she began streaming her gaming content, attracting a dedicated audience. Additionally, she hosted the esports program Nexo Play and made guest appearances at Expogame Chile, the country’s premier gaming convention.
The news of María Ignacia Celedón’s untimely death shocked the gaming community and elicited an outpouring of grief and support. Expogame Chile, where she had been a cherished guest, expressed their condolences and honored her memory for the joy, dedication, and positivity she brought to the gaming community.
As the gaming world mourns the loss of this talented and vibrant influencer, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that online personalities can have on their followers. María Ignacia Celedón’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her fans and in the memories of those who were touched by her spirit and enthusiasm for gaming.