This devastating incident has shaken the music community and also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting each other and reaching out to those in need.
Thom Roberts, a talented stagehand who previously worked for Olivia Newton-John and country singer Randy Travis, was reportedly killed by his wife Christine, 72, on Monday, July 10.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News, Christine explained to emergency personnel that she shot her husband because she thought he was unfaithful when they arrived at the Howard Avenue home around 8 p.m.
A concerned neighbor who saw Roberts lying on the porch reported the incident. The neighbor, part of the affidavit, “reported to detectives that the defendant also told them that she confessed to shooting her husband because she found out he was cheating on her.”
The stagehand was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bail was set at $100,000 after Christine was arrested and charged with murder.
Randy Travis lost not only a stagehand but also a close friend with Roberts’ departure.
“With the passing of Thom Roberts, the scene has become darker. One of the best stage lighting technicians in the business shared winding paths and stunning environments with Randy Travis’ band and crew for many years,” the artist wrote.
 Thom had a gentle, magnetic personality that lit up your soul in addition to his incredible sense of stage lighting. Always willing and eager to help, with a “can do” mentality. He was a kind-hearted giant who always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. The search for a kinder, softer soul would take a lifetime. Thom was my friend and I valued our relationship.
The last line of Travis’ post read: “I’ll look up to the sky tonight and I’m sure I’ll see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky—letting us know he’s home and all is well.”
The tragic loss of Thom Roberts underscores the need for compassion, understanding, and determination to create a safe and nurturing environment for all. May his passing serve as a catalyst for open conversations about the mental health and well-being of people in the entertainment industry.
In honor of Thom Roberts, let us strive to foster a community that values the talents, contributions, and lives of all individuals and ensures that their legacy shines brightly, even in the face of adversity.
We are truly sorry for this loss. Roberts died when he was 68 years old.