Actor Manuel Masalva from 'Narcos: Mexico' is apparently battling for his life in an induced coma following a severe bacterial infection contracted during his time overseas.
In a TikTok video, Mario Morán, who has been a close friend of the 43-year-old actor for years, disclosed Masalva’s critical health situation.
"My brother is battling for his life far from our homeland," Morán, who is 32 years old, stated in Spanish in a video shared on Thursday, April 3rd.
Morán mentioned that Masalva — who portrayed Ramon Arellano Felix in the "Narcos" spinoff — became infected with a particularly virulent virus during his time off, though he didn’t disclose precisely where this happened.
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This resulted in an induced coma for him," Morán went on to say. "His condition continues to be precarious as of now.
Masalva’s close friend later shared a GoFundMe link To assist in raising funds for the actor and covering any unforeseen medical expenses he may face as he persists in battling for his life.
The healthcare expenses are staggering, and in a nation where everything is harder, even the smallest assistance can be pivotal during these extremely challenging times," Morán stated. "Should you choose to contribute, we express our deepest gratitude.
The GoFundMe page established on Monday, April 1, reiterated that the "Narcos: Mexico" star had been infected with an "unidentified bacterium" and was in "critical condition."
An update regarding Masalva’s status was subsequently provided on Thursday.
Manu is still in critical condition; the bacteria has already been identified," the post, which was written in Spanish, stated. "He is receiving antibiotics, and we are awaiting his improvement.
Great appreciation goes out to all those who have contributed thus far; your kindness and backing are vital at this challenging moment for Manuel and his close ones," stated a message penned on behalf of the celebrity's family. "We sincerely value the benevolence of people we know, our friends, and our family.
Thanks for keeping the word out about this campaign through your social networks so we can connect with additional individuals who might assist," the GoFundMe page went on. "Collectively, we have the power to significantly impact Manuel’s life and furnish him with the fortitude and backing required for his recovery.
By Friday, April 4, the GoFundMe campaign for Masalva had surpassed its target of $50K.
In addition to her role in the "Narcos" spinoff "Narcos: Mexico," which also stars Diego Luna and Michael Peña, Masalva has been featured in various productions such as the Netflix show "La Guzmán" and the Mexican series "I Have to Die Every Night."
His most recent endeavor, a brief cinematic work called "If Smoke Doesn’t Signal," made its debut in 2024. Masalva is scheduled to feature in two forthcoming television productions. to his IMDB including the mini-series "Franklin" and the series "The Gringo Hunters."