The host on a local radio was shot dead while he was broadcasting live his programme entitled 'Asi es mi Terra' (Such is my land) on radio Fiesta Mexicana in the Pacific city of Mazatlan. Media reports said that listeners heard the shot being fired after gunmen burst into the studio and shot Tirado in the head.
The journalist was a strong supporter of families who had been displaced by the construction of a dam which flooded their land. Tirado, an outspoken opponent of the dam, had led the campaign to secure compensation for the families and his programme focused on the issue. Before his murder, he had reportedly received threats along with other leaders of the campaign.