A Heroic Act
Robert Hoobler, a former New Orleans police officer, was the man who saved the life of rap superstar Lil Wayne when he was a 12-year-old boy. On November 11, 1994, Lil Wayne, then known as Dwayne Carter Jr., shot himself in the chest with a 9mm pistol that he found in his family’s apartment. He called 911 for help and crawled to the front door as he bled out.
Hoobler, who was on his way to work an off-duty detail, heard the call on his police radio and rushed to the scene. He kicked down the door and found the boy in a bloodied T-shirt and jeans. He pleaded for an ambulance, but there was none available. He decided to take the boy to the hospital himself, carrying him in his lap in the backseat of a patrol car. He spoke to the boy the entire trip to keep him awake and told him that he was going to be fine.
A nurse later told Hoobler that if they had waited for an ambulance, Lil Wayne would have died. Hoobler had essentially saved his life with his quick and courageous action.
A Lifelong Bond
Lil Wayne never forgot what Hoobler did for him that day. He called him “Uncle Bob” and praised him in several interviews and songs. He revealed that he had been dealing with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts as a child, and that Hoobler was the reason why he survived.
In 2019, Lil Wayne offered to financially support Hoobler in any way he could, after hearing that he had lost both of his legs in a car accident and was fired from his job as a Jefferson Parish sheriff’s deputy for using excessive force and racial slurs against a Black man he arrested. Lil Wayne also offered to pay for Hoobler’s funeral after he was rumored to be dead, but Hoobler reached out to say that he was alive.
A Tragic Loss
On Friday, July 22, 2023, Hoobler was found dead at his home in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He was 65 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but a friend of Hoobler told NOLA.com that he had been suffering from various health problems after his legs were amputated. He also said that Hoobler had dedicated most of his time to his wife, Kathleen, who died last year, and their grandchildren.
Lil Wayne mourned the death of his hero and friend on social media. He posted a picture of himself with Hoobler and wrote: “Everything happens for a reason. I was dying when I met u at this very spot. U saved my life & I’m forever grateful to u Uncle Bob. Rest In Peace.”
Hoobler’s death marks the end of an unlikely but touching story of friendship and gratitude between a rap star and a cop. His heroic act will always be remembered by Lil Wayne and his fans.
