Father of four dies only months before wedding – now his family are looking for answers

Boasting that her daddy was the best, 8-year-old Leeannahh Hall is trying to grasp what it means that she’ll never again see her father walk through the door, greeting her with a huge smile.

The little girl, along with her three siblings were excited see their parents, Melina Rich and Robert Hall, celebrate their love in a wedding that was planned for October 21, in Cave Springs, Georgia.

Instead, the Robert’s family is grieving his loss and planning a funeral for the beloved man who died while he was earning a living for his family.

On July 12, Melina Rich was at home, preparing dinner for 34-year-old Robert Hall and their three younger children.

But Robert would never return home.

Robert, a plumber, was on contract with the company he was employed, and while working the grounds of Armuchee High School in Rome, Georgia, he slipped off a ladder and fell 20 feet down into a maintenance hole.

Robert’s sister Roby Hames said she’ll never forget when their mother told her what happened to her brother. “…she told me that he’s gone. I said, ‘Where did he go? I’ll go get him.’ I didn’t comprehend,” Roby said.

The family says Hall died doing what he loved, a job he was doing since he was a teenager.

“He loved the grime and dirt. Everything about it. Making something that’s not working workable again,” Roby added.

“He’s done it since he was 15 when he started working,” added Kari Hall, his other sister. “And that’s all he’s done. He’s never worked another job.”

Local news said it took 45 minutes for crews to arrive and climb down to get the man, who was unconscious.

Family members said they suspect that the trauma of the fall was amplified by methane in the sewer pipes, which poisoned the unconscious man and killed him.

“It don’t make sense to me why it takes so long to get down there when you should have been prepared for anything like that. Doing a job like that. You know that stuff is awful. It’ll kill you. I feel like maybe that’s what got him,” Kari said of her brother, who’s described in his obituary as as a man “who was often seen singing and dancing around. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his children.”

John Burtz, who would have been Robert’s father-in-law, fights his tears as he speaks about Robert, his daughter, and “their little family.” “It was devastating. He’s literally one of the best people I’ve known, ever in my life.” Burtz continued, “They were getting ready for a long and happy future.”

Hall’s 8-year-old daughter Leeannahh can’t help but boast over the father she loves deeply.  “He was the best,” she said. “He came home every day with a smile on his face.”

Robert and Melina were excited for their big day in October, invitations already sent for the wedding ceremony to be celebrated by family, friends and their four children, Rylon, Leeannahh, Anniston and Weston.

“They have already started their life together. They wanted to make it official,” Roby said. “They’ve already paid caterers and venues.”

Instead of planning a wedding, his family is now planning a funeral, expenses that were covered by generous donations on a GoFundMe organized by Burtz.

Burtz writes, “Robert was an amazing man who has left behind an amazing family! His family like all of us were not prepared for this tragedy. Robert was the sole provider for his family with no insurance.”

As of July 18, almost $17,000 was collected by generous people, offering financial and emotional support on the page.

Many donations came from plumbing families across the U.S. “From one plumber to another’s family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss,” writes one while another adds, “Plumbers in Texas praying for your family.”

One kind stranger writes, “I am so sorry for your loss! This is unimaginable! We don’t know each other, but my heart is breaking for your family. Send peace to you all!”

One user, who said she felt “gut punched” when she heard of Robert’s death, shares a post on Facebook: “He had just left my house. Maybe going straight to this job, I don’t know. I offered him a Gatorade, he took it. And now he’s gone. I am so so sorry he is gone.” She continued, “He was so kind to me, offering to place my items back under the sink. I am so very sorry for this loss to his family, his friends, people that may have only known him in passing, such as I did. To the people at K&D Plumbing”

Floyd County School Superintendent Dr. Glenn White issued a statement about the tragedy that happened at the campus.

“During this time, we have extended our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. We also understand this is a difficult time for the company who lost this employee, and we would like to extend our thoughts to them and anyone else who knew and loved this individual.”

The family still has many questions and hopes to get some answers.

“It hurts so bad to know that he’s not with us anymore,” said Kari. “He loved his family. He loved his fiancee. He loved (her) with every bit of his soul.”