Spain’s community of drivers and social media users was shocked by the news of the death of Oti Cabadas, known online as Coco. She passed away at the age of 41 after a sudden stroke. Over the years, she became a symbol of change in the male-dominated world of trucking, and her honest videos and posts inspired thousands of women across the country.
A few days ago, Oti began to feel unwell during an industry event at the MotorLand racetrack in Aragón. After losing consciousness, she was rushed to the Miguel Servet hospital in Zaragoza, where doctors diagnosed a stroke. Despite the efforts of medical staff, they were unable to save her.
Cabadas lived in Palencia, but originally came from Galicia. She rose to fame on TikTok, where more than 330,000 followers kept up with her life, and nearly 40,000 people followed her on Instagram. Through her videos, she showed her daily routine behind the wheel of a truck, shared stories from the road, and challenged stereotypes about a profession long considered exclusively male.
Oti often spoke about the challenges faced by women drivers: from prejudice to dangerous situations on the road. She admitted that sometimes she had to choose inconspicuous clothing so as not to attract extra attention. Even so, she never gave up and kept working, proving that passion for the job and perseverance matter more than any prejudice.
She was noticed not only by her followers, but also by TV hosts. A few years ago, famed chef Alberto Chicote went on a trip with her to see if truck stops really serve better food. She also shared her personal experiences and spoke about the challenges women face on Spain’s roads in the TV show ‘Salvados’.
At the most recent National Congress of Women in Transport, Oti emphasized that to drive a truck, women need not only skills but also a special mindset. For her, driving wasn’t just a job — it was a true calling. Her optimism, energy, and drive to change the world around her made her an inspiration to many.
Her memory will live on, not only in the hearts of her loved ones but also in the professional community, where she became a symbol of change and inspiration. The story of Oti Cabadas is a reminder that even in the toughest professions, you can stay true to yourself and make a positive difference in the world.
