Lil Wayne is heartbroken by the loss of an old friend!
The renowned rapper, often regarded as one of the most significant figures in the entertainment industry, recently opened up about the death of a retired New Orleans police officer.
Robert Hoobler, affectionately known as “Uncle Bob,” saved the record executive’s life as a child, a gesture that forever imprinted the deceased’s name in the music icon’s heart.
Lil Wayne Pays Tribute To The Former Police Officer That Saved His Life
On Monday, July 25, the “6 Foot 7 Foot” rapper shared a picture of Hoobler on Instagram, where the former cop was captured outside a house.
The 65-year-old dressed casually in a gray t-shirt tucked into a pair of blue jeans. He did not pose outside a random property as this home marked the same spot he saved the Grammy-winning artist’s life.
This heroic act may have happened over a decade ago, but the moment will not be soon forgotten by the entertainer, who penned a poignant message for the deceased.
“Everything happens for a reason. I was dying when I met u at this very spot. U refused to let me die,” Wayne captioned the post, “Everything that doesn’t happen, doesn’t happen for a reason.”
The “Mirror” singer noted that the reason in question was faith and Hoobler, perhaps the 39-year-old’s way of implying that the veteran officer saved his life through divine intervention as he showed up at the right time.
The 39-year-old concluded his emotional tributes by writing: “RIP uncle Bob. Aunt Kathie been waiting for u. I’ll love & miss u both and live for us all.”
The 11-time BET Award winner’s post touched the hearts of his followers, who flooded the comment section with their prayers and condolences for the retired New Orleans police officer.
Several fans praised the deceased as the man who saved the life of a legend, while others wondered how the “Drop the World” rapper was coping with the loss of his dear friend.
The list of well-wishers included the fellow musician J.Cyrus, who expressed gratitude to Uncle Bob for saving Wayne’s life.
According to Nola.com, Hoobler’s body was discovered on Friday, July 22, at his home in Old Jefferson, Louisiana. Before his passing, the beloved ex-officer suffered from various health problems.
These issues allegedly began following a car wreck, which weakened the 65-year-old’s body for several years, causing the older man to be riddled with lingering body concerns.
New Orleans Cop Who Saved Lil Wayne’s Life as a Boy, Dies Aged 65 pic.twitter.com/OrWXbfgtfj
— No Jumper (@nojumper) July 24, 2022
Uncle Bob’s grandson, Daniel Nelson, also revealed that his grandfather’s brutal battle with diabetes made the veteran cop lose both legs due to complications from the disease.
After retiring from the New Orleans Police Department, Hoobler worked at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office from 2009 to 2012 following a tragic event.
The 65-year-old was fired for shooting a man he arrested with a stun gun, a crime that derailed Uncle Bob’s law enforcement career as the former officer was charged with misconduct in office.
After entering a plea deal, the veteran was placed on probation before being pardoned from the conviction for being a first offender. Hoobler worked at Rock & Roll Towing in Kenner before his demise.
The Emotional Story Of How Hoobler Saved The Young Money Entertainment Founder
As shared by Fox 8 Live, Hoobler’s relationship with the record producer began on the afternoon of November 11, 1994, after the then-police officer responded to a 911 distress call.
The “Mona Lisa” rapper was 12 at the time of the incident, which occurred at his family’s apartment in New Orleans. According to police reports, a young Lil Wayne found a 9mm pistol in one of the bedrooms.
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A family friend reportedly left the weapon there the previous day after stopping to watch a football game. For reasons best known to him, Wayne fired a bullet into his chest before hastily calling for help.
When the dispatcher announced the emergency on Hoobler’s police radio, the officer was off-duty, but that did not stop the 65-year-old from helping the injured boy.
The cop arrived at the chart-topper’s apartment to find him covered in a never-ending stream of blood. Instead of waiting for an ambulance, Hoobler drove Wayne to the hospital, and the rest is history.
