One of the most heartbreaking truths of life is that we simply never know when it will all come to an end.
In a way it’s the fragility of our existence that makes every moment precious, but of course that doesn’t make it any easier to accept when we lose someone we love.
Which is why our hearts go out to the family of the father-of-six who passed away earlier this month while in the process of moving his son into a college dorm room.
According to tragic reports, Jeremy Tillman, just 45, suddenly stopped breathing as he unpacked his son’s things at Arkansas State University.
“Jeremy was a tender and affectionate partner,” Elizabeth Goodson, Jeremy’s fiancè told TODAY. “He was a man of the highest integrity, and there is no one like him. This hole in our hearts will never be able to be filled.
She continued: “He took me and my 6 children, and chose to integrate us into his life without hesitation.”
According to TODAY, Tillman also had six children of his own.
According to a police report, Jeremy was moving his son Jace into a residential building on the campus of Arkansas State University on August 19 when he encountered difficulty breathing.
“When he came through the door … he was in obvious distress,” Elizabeth told KARK 4 News. “He just had a very sudden medical event as we were moving things in. I guess he may have strained too hard.”
Campus police responded to the emergency and found Jeremy lying on the ground with foam “pouring” from his mouth, as per their report. Despite others already having begun CPR, and the police using an automated external defibrillator in a bid to restart the father’s heart, he could not be saved.
Jeremy, who lived in Russellville, Arkansas, was rushed to St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, where he passed away.
His fiancè said: “We went there with him, and then driving home without him was, I think, one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced.”
According to TODAY, Jeremy and Elizabeth had gotten engaged less than two months ago. Elizabeth added that she plans to wear the dress reserved for their engagement photo shoot to his funeral.
“Jeremy was an understanding parent,” the heartbroken Elizabeth told TODAY. “Despite working full-time and part-time at home, he rarely missed important events, and he always made time for movie nights, soccer in the yard, or pull-up competitions. He showed our children how a man should treat a woman, and how to be intentional with your word.”
“He was selfless, and always worked hard to ensure everyone had the things that they wanted and needed, often to his own detriment. He loved all our children, and was the epitome of what a man and father should be.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeremy’s family at this most terrible time.
Please join us in sending well wishes where they’re needed.
READ MORE
Kevin Hart lands in wheelchair after incident leaves him seriously injured
