Theories on Amado Carrillo Fuentes from Narcos: Mexico – Is He Still Alive?

Theories on Amado Carrillo Fuentes from Narcos: Mexico – Is He Still Alive?

Portrayed by actor José María Yazpik in Narcos: Mexico, Amado Carillo Fuentes—often referred to as “El Señor de Los Cielos”(The Lord of the Skies)—is thought to have met his end, but many believe that he may have orchestrated an elaborate ruse to fake his death. Rising to prominence as the head of the Juarez Cartel during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Amado was not only one of the wealthiest drug lords of his time, amassing a staggering fortune valued at roughly $25 billion but was also notable for his intelligence and shrewdness, distinguishing him from more dangerous or flamboyant figures like Pablo Escobar.

Despite not possessing the notorious reputation of other cartel leaders, Amado was well-connected, having collaborated with notable figures such as Ernesto “Don Neto” Fonseca Carrillo (Joaquín Cosío), Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo (Diego Luna), and Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman (Alejandro Edda). His unexpected demise—attributed to surgical complications—is shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation about his survival amidst whispers that he may still roam free today.

What Happened to Amado Carillo Fuentes at the End of Narcos: Mexico

Amado Died of Surgical Complications After Attempting to Alter His Appearance

José María Yazpik in Narcos: Mexico

In the climactic finale of Narcos: Mexico Season 3, viewers learn that on July 4, 1997, Amado Carillo Fuentes underwent an intricate surgery aimed at changing his appearance to evade law enforcement. Unfortunately, the procedure resulted in fatal complications.

However, the series ends on an ambiguous note. In a poignant scene, Amado’s girlfriend, Marta Venus Caceres (Yessica Borroto), is depicted at a coastal villa, where a small toy plane—a cherished item that was always with Amado—rests on her grand piano. This visual symbolism suggests that Amado could still be alive, potentially having escaped detection.

It’s a known reality that various drug lords have managed to elude capture by faking their own deaths. Given Amado’s wealth and influence, it is plausible to theorize that he may have orchestrated an elaborate cover-up, using his billions to secure his anonymity.

How Amado Carillo Fuentes Survived Narcos: Mexico Season 3

The Show Implies Amado Faked His Death

Fuentes next to a private plane in Narcos Mexico

The intrigue surrounding Amado Fuentes’ alleged demise has sparked widespread speculation regarding his actual fate. Following his purported death, the DEA was involved in the identification process at the mortuary, leading them to affirm his passing. However, due to his extensive wealth, it cannot be dismissed that Amado could have easily influenced officials to confirm a fabricated death, allowing him to escape under a different identity.

Considering Amado’s connections with the powerful La Federacion, the body presented at the morgue may not have been Amado at all. This raises questions about the authenticity of both the corpse and the medical narrative, suggesting that the so-called surgery could have been a cover story for a much deeper deception.

The absence of adequate documentation regarding his passing and the unclear circumstances surrounding the event have contributed to suspicions that linger. Given Amado’s significance in the realm of drug trafficking, the ambiguity surrounding his death remains an intrigue worthy of consideration.

Did Amado Carillo Die in Real Life?

The Real Amado Carillo Is Allegedly Dead (Though Doubts Remain)

Amado Carillo Fuentes in black and white near a small plane

While there is no definitive evidence to confirm Amado’s survival, his reputation as one of Mexico’s most resourceful traffickers raises questions about the circumstances of his alleged death. A notorious event that followed his supposed passing includes the murder of the two surgeons involved in his plastic surgery, whose bodies were discovered encased in concrete, suggesting foul play.

This incident could be interpreted as either a retaliation from the Juarez Cartel or an attempt by Amado to eliminate anyone who could potentially expose him. The chilling fate of journalist José Alfredo Andrade Bojorquez, who reported on Amado and then disappeared himself, adds further conjecture to the theory that Amado may continue to operate in the shadows.

How Accurate Was Narcos: Mexico?

Despite Some Inaccuracies, the Show Was Relatively Faithful to History

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Narcos: Mexico maintained a relatively faithful portrayal of the events surrounding Amado Carillo Fuentes, including the circumstances of his death. The real Amado was born on December 17, 1956, into a large family, eventually becoming involved in the drug business through familial connections, especially with his uncle, Ernesto “Don Neto”Fonseca Carrillo.

Alongside this, Amado had affiliations with numerous other drug operations, including Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel. While the show claims he died during surgery on July 4, 1997, the details are deeply entwined with the political and criminal chaos of the time, making it difficult to assert what truly occurred.

Why the Narcos: Mexico Creators Ended Amado’s Story in Season 3

Co-Creator Carlo Bernard Explained the Decision

Cast members of Narcos Mexico
Image Credit: Custom Image by SR Image Editor

Regardless of whether Amado Carrillo Fuentes is truly alive, his story made an impactful impression on both history and the series’ narrative. Co-creator Carlo Bernard elucidated that they aimed for a cohesive storytelling approach across Narcos and its Mexican counterpart, indicating that it felt appropriate to conclude this particular arc by the end of Season 3.

As Bernard noted in an interview with Collider, “We were telling a cohesive story with (Narcos) Columbia and Mexico; they were sort of siblings… so it felt like a nice place to wrap it up with Season 3 in Mexico.”The complexity of the narrative and the pivotal role played by characters like Amado ensured a compelling conclusion.

There Are Other Narcos: Mexico Theories Out There

Most Theories Relate to the Deaths of Narco Leaders

Gallardo holding a wrapped package of cocaine in Narcos Mexico

…it’s likely outsiders will never know the full truth…

Many of the various theories surrounding characters within Narcos: Mexico typically pertain to the circumstances of their demises. A case in point is El Azul’s death, portrayed as an assassination in Season 3, despite accounts suggesting he succumbed to a heart attack while admitted under an alias.

Conflicting narratives exist regarding El Azul’s fate, leading some to speculate he may have faked his own death. The series simply presents one interpretation of events among numerous theories surrounding these key figures.

Furthermore, other theories emerge focusing on the internal power dynamics illustrated within the series. Some dispute the narrative that Félix Gallardo held supremacy over operations, suggesting instead that Don Neto wielded more control, a notion explored in the 2020 docuseries The Last Narc.

Given the inherent secrecy enveloping many operations and the public personas of these figures, it remains unlikely that the full extent of truth regarding their lives and careers will ever be unveiled, keeping audiences captivated by the intrigue.

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