On Monday, July 10, it was reported that gifted stagehand Thom Roberts who worked for country music star Randy Travis, as well as for Olivia Newton-John in the past, was killed by his wife Christine, 72.
When emergency services responded to a call at the home on Howard Avenue at around 8pm, Christine told them how she had shot her husband because she believed he was unfaithful, as per an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News.
The incident was reported by a concerned neighbor who spotted Roberts lying on the porch. As per the affidavit, 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.”
The stagehand was pronounced dead at the scene.
Christine was arrested and charged with criminal homicide and a bond set at $100,000.
With Roberts’ passing, Randy Travis lost not only a stagehand but a very dear friend.
“The stage has gone dim with the passing of Thom Roberts. For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and the beautiful venues with one of the very best stage lighting technicians in the business,” the musician wrote.
“Thom not only had a magical sense about lighting a stage; but, he had a quiet, charismatic presence that ignited your soul. Always willing, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ attitude. He was a gentle giant of a man that wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart. One would search a lifetime to find a kinder, gentler spirit. Thom was my friend and I loved him dearly.”
Travis’ post concluded with: “Tonight, I will look toward heaven and am sure I will see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky — letting us know he is home, and all is well.”
We are so very sorry for this loss. At the time of his passing, Roberts was 68 years old.