Former New Orleans police officer Robert “Uncle Bob” Hoobler passed away over the weekend. The man known as Uncle Bob received notoriety for saving the life of rapper Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne expressed immense gratitude on his Instagram in a heartfelt memorial to Hoobler.
The Account
Hoobler saved the life of Lil Wayne in 1994 when Wayne was 12. Wayne dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts as a young man in the dangerous 17th Ward of New Orleans. Plagued by loss at an early age, Wayne began dealing with increasingly dark thoughts. These eventually culminated in a tragic suicide attempt by Wayne when he was still a child.
During the ordeal, Wayne shot himself in the chest but miraculously survived. However, his injuries prevented him from calling out for help. The police, informed of a gunshot, arrived at the residence. Wayne explains in various online interviews why the moment impacted his life forever. Wayne recalls that two police officers entered the premises. One of the officers immediately began to search for contraband. In some of Wayne’s retellings, the officer stepped over Wayne as he bled on the floor. Uncle Bob acted differently.
Wayne recalls that the second officer, Hoobler, spoke reassuring words to him. Following this, Hoobler carried Wayne to his patrol car and drove the bleeding child to the nearest hospital. Rescue crews would have arrived later, and according to these experts, that would have resulted in Wayne’s early death. Thankfully Hoobler’s heroic actions in this moment of crisis saved the life of a young man.
Remembering Uncle Bob
Lil Wayne never strayed in his public support for the man who saved his young life. Lil Wayne stated he would financially support Uncle Bob for the rest of his life. This touching sentiment was shared by Hoobler throughout his life. Many pictures of the two men together radiate warmth and gratitude. Uncle Bob was not a perfect man; however, his quick thinking and bravery helped give the world one of the early 21st Century’s greatest rappers. “Everything happens for a reason,” Wayne said in his memorial to Bob. A cause of death has yet to emerge. Anticipate updates to this story in the near future.
Ryan Fields
