Randy Travis, a country music star, condoled with his dear friend and stagehand.

Travis announced his former stagehand Thomas Roberts’ death on July 10 via Facebook. Travis wrote that Thom Roberts’ death dimmed the stage.

The Randy Travis band and crew shared winding roads and beautiful venues with one of the industry’s best stage lighting technicians for many years. Thom’s stage lighting and subtle, captivating presence captivated you. “Can do” and “glad to do it.”

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

I loved Thom, my friend. When we return to the road next week for Randy Travis’ “More Life” tour, the music won’t be as good, but I’ll remember the blessing of having Thom Roberts with us for so many miles and 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 said. “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’s fine.”

Thomas, 68, was shot and killed, according to reports. Christine Ann Roberts, 72, shot her husband, police say.

The report says Thomas was shot in the chest on their front porch around 8 p.m. Christine told police she shot her husband because he cheated.

That’s debatable. A neighbor who heard gunshots called 911 after seeing Thomas on the floor.