Randy Travis, a country music icon, has extended his condolences to his dear buddy and stagehand.

Travis acknowledged 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 in a note.

For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the pleasure to travel the winding roads and magnificent venues alongside one of the industry’s greatest stage lighting technicians.

Thom had a subtle, compelling charisma that stirred your soul, as well as an incredible ability to light a stage. Always willing to assist, with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to do it’ attitude.” Travis described Thom as a “gentle giant of a man who wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart.” A kinder, gentler mindset would take a lifetime to discover.”

According to accounts, Thomas was shot and killed at the age of 68. According to authorities, Roberts was shot by his wife, Christine Ann Roberts, 72. Randy Travis’ longtime stagehand was gunned murdered by his wife, “who said that she 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.