Randy Travis, the iconic country music star, recently expressed his heartfelt sympathies over the tragic death of his dear friend and longtime stagehand, Thomas Roberts.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on July 10, Travis announced the passing of Roberts, stating that “with the passing of Thom Roberts, the stage has dimmed.” This sad news has left the country music community mourning the loss of a remarkable individual who played a vital role behind the scenes.
For many years, Thomas Roberts was an invaluable member of the Randy Travis band and crew, bringing his exceptional skills as a stage lighting technician to countless winding roads and beautiful venues. Travis fondly remembers Roberts as having a subtle yet captivating presence that would touch your soul. His remarkable talent for lighting up a stage was matched only by his ever-willing nature to lend a helping hand, always approaching his work with a positive “can do” attitude.
A former stagehand for country star Randy Travis was allegedly shot dead by his wife because she believed he was having an affair, according to authorities. https://t.co/8AixvmHAro
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 11, 2023
Describing Roberts as a gentle giant, Randy Travis emphasizes his friend’s constant smile and the joyous song that perpetually resided in his heart. Their friendship went beyond the stage, deepening over the years. Travis affectionately states, “Thom was my friend, and I loved him.”
A longtime stagehand for country star Randy Travis was gunned down by his wife, “who said that she shot her husband because he had cheated on her."https://t.co/zG2zmRCeqX
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) July 11, 2023
As the band prepares to embark on Randy Travis’ upcoming “More Life” tour, the absence of Thom Roberts will undoubtedly cast a shadow over their performances. But Travis remains grateful for the blessing of having spent countless miles and cherished moments with Roberts on the road. The memories they created together will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Although the loss of Thomas Roberts leaves a void that can never be filled, Randy Travis firmly believes that the light his friend created will never be extinguished or forgotten. Looking up to the heavens, Travis envisions the night sky illuminated by flashes of Thom’s magnificent handiwork. It serves as a comforting reminder that Roberts has found his eternal home, and all is well.
[Caption: Thomas Roberts, Randy Travis’ former stagehand, tragically lost his life at the age of 68.]
Reports indicate that Thomas Roberts, at the age of 68, was shot and killed. Allegedly, his wife, Christine Ann Roberts, 72, fired the fatal shot. According to the police, Thomas was standing on their front porch when a gunshot pierced his chest around 8 p.m. Christine, upon her arrest, confessed to shooting her husband, citing infidelity as the reason. However, the veracity of these statements remains uncertain. A concerned neighbor, who heard the gunshots, immediately dialed 911 upon discovering Thomas lying on the floor.
Upon arriving at the scene, responders declared Thomas deceased. Today, we know that Roberts had been a dedicated stagehand for Randy Travis for two decades, until Randy suffered a stroke in 2013. This irreparable loss has left the music industry and fans alike mourning the passing of an extraordinary individual whose contributions to the world of country music will forever be treasured.
