Influencer known as ‘Coco Trucker Girl’ — who advocated for gender equality in trucking industry — dies suddenly

A Spanish influencer known as the “Coco Trucker Girl” suddenly died on Monday after collapsing on her way home from a classic truck meetup in Spain, leaving a gaping hole in the industry she sought to make more accessible to women.

Oti Cabadas, 41, suffered a stroke after the 10th Annual Meet-Up of Classic and American Trucks on Sunday and was airlifted to the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza, Spain, where she later died, according to local reports.

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Cabadas, better known online as the “Coco Trucker Girl” amassed a whopping 400,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Her content typically featured candid looks into her life as a truck driver and, as her audience grew, she started to publicly advocate for gender equality and better working conditions in the industry.

The Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport confirmed her sudden passing on X.

“Today is a very sad day. We still find it hard to believe that Oti Cabadas has left us. Oti was an example for all of us, not only for the joy she conveyed with her gaze, but for the passion with which she lived her profession and the way she inspired those around her,” the confederation wrote.

“She opened doors for many women in the transportation sector, proving that this world is not just for men, and she did so by sharing her daily life through social media, sharing her energy and enthusiasm with everyone,” it added in the comments.

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“[Her] optimism was contagious, [she] cheered us on with [her] “red nose Fridays” and [she] taught us an essential lesson: you have to fight for what you love and always follow your own path. Fly high, Oti. We will always remember you with affection and gratitude for everything you left us.”

Cabadas shifted to work as a trucker after finding she needed a lifestyle change at 22 years old. At the time, she was working as a hairdresser, but she didn’t find the job fulfilling.

She settled in Palencia, Spain, and started to road trip across Europe. Cabadas’ career took off as she documented her journeys on social media. She repeatedly emphasized the importance of striking a solid work-life balance, especially in the truck industry where drivers are often tasked with grueling hours and few breaks.

Cabadas’ last post was shared on Oct. 25, just two days before her untimely death. In it, she provided her audience a rare look at a truck expo featuring a sheen green demo vehicle from manufacturer Iveco S.p.A.

Her dedicated fans and admirers shared their grief in the comments as they promised to carry Cabadas’ mission forward.

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“A hug, Coco… you have been an inspiration to many women and an example to many people,” one mourner commented.

“Fly high beautiful one, travel those cloudy roads, [light] up the ones below. R.I.P Coco, blasts to the sky,” another wrote.

“On Tuesday I saw your Scania pass through Castañares and I had a spark of [joy], it was a pleasure to meet you in person! Bon voyage and see you….. R.I.P,” one recalled.