Country music star Randy Travis is mourning the loss of his stagehand Thom Roberts, who was tragically shot dead by his jealous wife, according to police.
The shocking incident occurred on Monday (July 10), when Nashville police reported that Roberts, 68, was allegedly gunned down by his wife Christine, 72, at their home.
Emergency services arrived at the scene on Howard Avenue around 8pm after receiving a distress call. According to Fox News, an arrest affidavit revealed that Christine confessed to shooting her husband because she believed he had been unfaithful. A neighbor, who heard the gunshot, rushed to investigate.
NBC stated that the neighbor dialed 911 after discovering Roberts lying on the porch. The affidavit also mentioned that the neighbor “reported to detectives that the defendant had also told them that she admitted to shooting her husband because she discovered that he had cheated on her.”
Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene, with the arrest affidavit stating that he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Christine was subsequently charged with criminal homicide and had her bond set at $100,000, according to court records.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Randy Travis took to Facebook to express his grief over the loss of his dear friend Thom Roberts. He described Roberts as one of the best stage lighting technicians in the business, with a magical sense of lighting and a gentle, charismatic presence. Travis reminisced about their shared experiences on the road and praised Roberts for his constant smile and kind spirit.
Travis concluded his heartfelt tribute by saying that he will look towards the heavens, knowing that Thom’s handiwork will be visible in the night sky, assuring everyone that he is now at home and at peace.
Although Travis will resume his ‘More Life’ tour next week, it will be bittersweet without his trusted stagehand by his side.
As Thom Roberts’ family and friends cope with this devastating loss, our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
