ROME, GEORGIA: In Rome, Georgia, a father of four died after slipping down a manhole while working on a plumbing project at a nearby high school. Robert Hall, 34, slipped and fell roughly 20 feet down a maintenance pit on Wednesday while working as a plumbing contractor at Armuchee High School, according to Atlanta News First and WSB-TV.
According to officials, Hall fell to the bottom unconscious, and rescuers could not bring him back to life. According to the outlet, the teams arrived and descended to the bottom to retrieve him in around 45 minutes.
'He loved with every bit of his soul'
According to Atlanta News First, John Burtz, who was going to be Hall's future father-in-law, started a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs, and thus far, it has garnered more than $12,000 in donations. The GoFundMe tribute reads, "My name is John Burtz, I am fundraising for my Daughter and her little family. On July 12th Robert Hall was at work and fell into a manhole, he did not make it out! He leaves behind his Fiance Melina Rich and his four children his oldest son Rylon who lives with his mom and three other children Leanna, Anniston and Weston!"
"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 reported by People.
Leeannahh Hall, Hall's 8-year-old daughter, described her father as "the best" person ever. She told WSB-TV that "he came home every day with a smile on his face." Hall's sister added, “It hurts so bad to know he’s not with us anymore. He loved his family. He loved his fiancee. He loved with every bit of his soul.”
Floyd County Schools' statement
Family members of Hall told WSB-TV that they are still puzzled as to how the situation could have occurred and why rescue workers weren't able to reach him sooner. Floyd County Schools' Dr Glenn White made a statement to Atlanta News First on the incident, saying, "We have extended our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family." White added, “This accident has impacted our school system family and stakeholders in many ways, and we are actively sending support to those directly affected by this.” He also noted, “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.”
