Randy Travis, a country music star, has expressed his sympathies to his dear friend and stagehand.

Travis confirmed the death of his former stagehand Thomas Roberts in a Facebook post on July 10. “With the passing of Thom Roberts, the stage has dimmed,” Travis wrote.

“For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and beautiful venues with one of the industry’s best stage lighting technicians. Thom had a subtle, captivating presence that sparked your soul as well as a remarkable sense of lighting a stage. Always ready to help, with a ‘can do’ and a ‘glad to do it’ attitude.”

According to Travis, Thom “was a gentle giant of a man who wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart. A nicer, gentler attitude would take a lifetime to find.”

“Thom was my friend, and I loved him. The music will not be as wonderful when we return to the road next week for Randy Travis’ “More Life” tour, but I will be reminded of the blessing I was given to having Thom Roberts on the road with us for so many miles and so many memories.”

“It certainly won’t be the same; and, I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say, the light that he truly created, in our hearts, will never be extinguished or forgotten,” Travis added. “Tonight, I’ll look to heaven, and I’m sure I’ll see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky, letting us know he’s home and everything is fine.”

According to reports, Thomas was shot and died at the age of 68. According to police sources, Roberts was shot by his wife, Christine Ann Roberts, 72.

According to the report, the gunshot penetrated Thomas’s chest while he was standing on their front porch around 8 p.m. Christine told officers upon her arrest that “she had shot her husband because he had cheated on her.”

It’s uncertain whether or not those statements are true. After witnessing Thomas laying on the floor, a nearby neighbor who heard the gunshots phoned 911.

At the scene, Thomas was pronounced deceased. According to Today, he had worked as a stagehand for Randy Travis for 20 years until Randy’s stroke in 2013.