Tributes are flooding in for Rob "The Rabbit" Pitts, the beloved Netflix star, following his passing at the age of 45. Pitts, widely recognized for his role in the Netflix series Tex Mex Motors, died on Sunday after a battle with stomach cancer, as confirmed by his videographer.
Jeff, Pitts' videographer, shared the heartbreaking news in a comment on a YouTube video announcing Pitts' diagnosis. "Hey everyone, this is Jeff (Rob's Videographer). I am with him now in Hospice. He just passed at 21:45 on 08/25/2024," Jeff wrote. "He will be missed, and we will never forget him!"
Pitts was more than a TV personality; he was the CEO of Pitts Truck Service, a third-generation family business established in 1968, specializing in truck and trailer repair services. His passion for classic cars also shone through in Tex Mex Motors, where Pitts and fellow car scout Scooter Carrera traveled the U.S.-Mexico border in search of vintage vehicles to restore and resell. Some of the cars featured in the show include a '69 Opel, a '65 Volkswagen Bug, a '63 Chevy Carryall, and a vintage Bronco.
The first season of Tex Mex Motors premiered on Netflix in June 2023, and Pitts was in the midst of filming the second season when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. In a candid video posted to YouTube, Pitts revealed that he first began feeling unwell during the SEMA show the previous year, experiencing weight loss and symptoms similar to acid reflux while preparing to start filming for season 2.
"During filming, I started to lose my appetite and had more and more acid reflux-like symptoms," Pitts shared. In late March, his condition was diagnosed as stomach cancer. Despite the grim news, Pitts maintained a positive outlook. "Don't be sad for me," he wrote. "I accomplished my dream of buying my own store, finishing season 2 of Netflix, and marrying the love of my life."
Following his passing, the automotive community and fans around the world have been sharing heartfelt tributes. One fan on YouTube wrote, "Rob Pitts played a massive role in the man I am today. He inspired me to buy and sell cars. When I was a kid, he was my #1 role model. I wanted to be just like him one day, and I still do. He inspired me to start a business, he inspired me to be the good, honest businessman that I aim to be. He made such a massive impact on my life, as well as many others. Rest in peace Rabbit, you will never be forgotten."
Another comment poignantly observed, "It's always the good ones that seem to have the shortest time here. Rest easy Rabbit, you were one of a kind in every way that's good and decent. I'm gonna go back and binge all your videos after I get this dust out of my eye."
The sentiment was echoed across social media, with one user on X describing Pitts as an "absolute legend" in the automotive world. "This is so heartbreaking... RIP to Rob 'Rabbit' Pitts, an absolute legend in the automotive community. Your stories were always a joy to listen to and part of the reason why I love VinWiki as a whole. My condolences to his family. See you on the other side, Rabbit."
As the world mourns the loss of Rob "The Rabbit" Pitts, the impact he made on the automotive industry and the lives of those who knew him or were inspired by him remains undeniable. Season 2 of Tex Mex Motors has not yet been released, but Pitts' legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire.
