Monterrey, Mexico: Mexican television host Débora Cecilia Estrella Garza, widely known as Débora Estrella, died in a plane crash during a flying lesson in Nuevo León on September 20, 2025. She was 43.
According to authorities, the light aircraft went down shortly before 7 p.m. local time in the Laderas/Riberas Interpuerto area inside the Ciudad Mitras industrial park in García, near Monterrey. Civil Protection officials confirmed that Estrella and her instructor, identified as Bryan Ballesteros Argueta, were killed instantly on impact. No casualties were reported on the ground.
The Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) and the Nuevo León state prosecutor’s office have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet disclosed whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or human error played a role. Videos circulating on social media appear to show the aircraft in a steep descent before striking the ground, though the footage has not been independently verified.
Estrella had shared a photo of the aircraft on Instagram earlier that day with the caption “Adivina qué” (“Guess what”), suggesting she was about to begin her flight lesson. Hours later, news of the crash shocked her colleagues, fans, and the media community.
Born in Monterrey, Estrella built a career as a presenter on Telediario Matutino and its weekend edition in Mexico City. She had previously worked with TV Azteca, where she gained recognition for delivering weather and climate reports. Beyond television, she held a law degree and pursued further studies in business administration, including a program linked with a French university.
As investigations continue, Mexican aviation authorities are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks.
