90 Day Fiance: This Is Really Why Jason And Cassia Split
Jason Hitch, a star on the second season of TLC's "90 Day Fiance," has died following a battle with COVID-19. He was 45. Jason's sister, Shannon, announced the news of his passing to TMZ, saying Jason was unvaccinated and, to her knowledge, did not have any underlying conditions. He was surrounded by family in his final moments.
Jason came to fame on the reality dating show for his relationship with his then-girlfriend Cassia Tavares, though the two struggled to find their happily ever after.
Once upon a time, Jason and Cassia met online and began texting one another shortly after, per Hollywood Life. Despite their 15 year age gap, the two began dating and were determined to show that love conquers all — even age gaps. From there, Cassia made her way over to the United States to live with Jason, but things got off to a rocky start for the two. Jason questioned Cassia's temperament and attitude, while Cassia was less than thrilled with Jason's frugal lifestyle and financial woes. But despite the ups and downs the two faced during their 90 days the two wed and began their life together before Cassia's K-1 visa expired, per TLC.
A look back at Cassia and Jason's relationship
While Cassia Tavares and Jason Hitch began their life together as a married couple, it seems they quit working on their relationship when the cameras stopped recording.
Four years after their season, their marital issues came to a head when Cassia called the cops on Jason after a domestic violence incident. Jason was arrested on battery charges, according to Starcasm. In a lengthy statement to Starcasm, Cassia called Jason controlling, abusive, and verbally violent. "I never got an apology for his arrest, until today he blames me for calling the police and he does not take responsibility for his violent act (which was not the first)," she said. "I dropped the charges because I felt sorry for him and it was hurtful to see him being arrested, I didn't want him in jail, but I didn't know that in Florida they need to arrest people committing [domestic violence]." Plus, she added, "I depended on him for everything."
Following Jason's arrest, the two began to live separately and ultimately filed for divorce, according to Starcasm. While the two withdrew their first divorce filing and attempted to rekindle their marriage, the pair ultimately refiled for divorce. This time, they followed through.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
Did Cassia speak out following Jason's passing?
Despite trying to rekindle what they once had, by October 2018, Cassia Tavares and Jason Hitch called it quits once and for all when their divorce was officially finalized, per Starcasm. Since the news of his passing, Cassia has spoken out regarding her past relationship with Jason. "It's always sad when someone you spent part of your life with stops breathing. I guess one could never be prepared for that," she wrote on her Instagram story, per In Touch. "When I started receiving messages, I thought it was a joke. I'm shocked. My condolences to his family and friends," she continued. "Rest in peace, Jason."
In addition to Cassia speaking out, fellow "90 Day" star Danielle Jbali posted a tribute to Jason on Instagram. TLC also released a statement to NBC News regarding Jason's passing. "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Jason Hitch," it read, "and send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time."
Though the two divorced, it seemed Cassia and Jason maintained a cordial relationship. Following their split, Cassia chose to stay in Florida, where Jason lived, and attended the University of South Florida, graduating in 2018. Cassia also began dating a man named Giuseppe. Little is known about Cassia's new relationship or man as after such a public relationship with Jason, it seems Cassia wanted to keep this one private. Yet, Cassia did let fans know she found her perfect match with Giuseppe as the two tied the knot early in the pandemic.