As a rapper, Lil Wayne has had great success and is adored by many fans. But the hip-hopper comes from a poor background and had a difficult childhood. At the age of twelve, while playing, he shot himself in the chest with one of his father’s guns and nearly died. For several months his life was in danger.

It is thanks to Robert Hoobler that the life of Dwayne Michael Carter, as the rapper’s real name is, did not end then. The policeman was not on duty at the time, but found the boy and personally took him to a hospital, saving his life. Now Hoobler, who everyone just called “Uncle Bob”, has died at the age of 65. Lil Wayne bids farewell to his lifesaver on his Instagram page.

“Everything happens for a reason,” wrote the 39-year-old. “I was dying when I met you in that very place. You refused to let me die.” Lil Wayne and Hoobler stayed in touch until Hoobler’s death. Also, anything that doesn’t happen doesn’t happen for a reason, the rapper continued on Instagram. “That reason is you and the faith. RIP Uncle Bob.”

On April 7, 2009, Hoobler overheard the injured boy over the police radio in his spare time and rushed to his home with other police officers. Because no ambulance was available, he drove the injured man to the hospital himself.

According to the portal nola.com, which reported on his death, Hoobler had had health problems for a long time after a car accident. Due to diabetes both of his legs had to be amputated.

Sources: Lil Wayne on Instagram / nola.com (1) / nola.com (2)