Robert Hoobler

**Robert Edward Hoobler** (born November 16, 1956) was a former New Orleans police officer. He saved Lil Wayne's life in 1994, where the rapper attempted suicide at aged 12. Hoobler was awarded a gold life-saving pin for his actions and was mentioned in VH1's documentary series *Behind the Music* (2009). Hoobler remarked of Lil Wayne, after viewing the documentary, "I'm proud of him. He made something of himself."

## Background

On November 11, 1994, Wayne left school early because of Report Card Day. Police records reported, "on his way home to 3409 Monroe St., Apartment D. He sat on the mattress in the master bedroom and began eating. But he stopped when he noticed a blue-steel Taurus 9 mm handgun." The pistol was left the previous day by a family friend "who came over to watch a football game." Wayne picked it up, and shot himself in the chest. He dialed 911, then crawled toward the front door to wait for help. He previously said it was an accident, though years later confessed it was intentional, as he struggled with suicidal thoughts. He recounted, "Didn't feel it, aimed for my heart. And didn't feel a thing, though. So I wasn't going through any pain. It was the shock. I woke up to *boom, boom, boom*, to the police knocking. And that's what woke me up."

Hoobler was off-duty at the time though heard the emergency call, arriving to Apartment D. Hoobler heard someone faintly yell "Help me! I've been shot," and found Wayne bleeding to death. With no ambulance unit available, Hoobler drove Wayne to the Ochsner hospital himself in a police car.

Years later at Hollygrove, he "dined at a restaurant on St. Charles Avenue with a friend" when someone told him "Lil Wayne wants to see you." Initially Hoobler didn't recognize Wayne until he came over to their table, and Wayne declared to his crowd at the table, "This man saved my life. I almost died, and this man saved my life. I'll never forget him." Wayne also picked up his food tab.

In 2015, Wayne's song "London Roads" was released, where he believed the cop had died. He rapped, 'And wakin' up in some police's arms, he died recent / So I hope Heaven made more room for him, and I hope he see me.' Wayne would've even paid for the funeral, though the rumors of Hoobler's death were exaggerated.

In 2019, Hoobler told *TMZ* that Wayne offered financial support for him and his loved ones for life, though never took up on the offer.

On July 22, 2022, Hoobler was found dead in his home. Wayne wrote in a tribute post:

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> Everything happens for a reason. I was dying when I met u at this very spot. U refused to let me die. Everything that doesn't happen, doesn't happen for a reason. That reason being you and faith. RIP uncle Bob. Aunt Kathie been waiting for u. I'll love & miss u both and live for us all.
>
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## References

1. ↑ Vargas, Ramon (September 9, 2009). "Lil Wayne's New Orleans Police Rescuer Mentioned in VH1 Documentary". *The Times-Picayune*. Archived from the original on September 12, 2009.
2. ↑ Mamo, Heran (August 16, 2021). "Lil Wayne Opens Up About His Attempted Suicide at Age 12, Shares Advice for Parents". *Billboard*.
3. ↑ Vargas, Ramon (April 10, 2009). "How an Off-Duty Cop Saved New Orleans Rap Superstar Lil Wayne's Life: 'I'll Never Forget Him'". *NOLA*.
4. ↑ Getahun, Hannah (July 24, 2022). "A New Orleans Police Officer Lil Wayne Referred to as 'Uncle Bob' Is Dead...". *Insider*.
5. ↑ Mamo, Heran (July 25, 2022). "Lil Wayne Mourns 'Uncle Bob,' Former Cop Who Saved Rapper's Life Following Suicide Attempt". *Billboard*.