New Orleans cop who saved Lil Wayne’s life as a boy, dies aged 65

Robert Hoobler had save the rapper's life when, as a 12-year-old child, he had shot himself in the chest

A former New Orleans police officer who essentially saved the life of rap superstar Lil Wayne after the artist shot himself in the chest as a boy has died, all but closing the book on an episode of music history that struck some fans as apocryphal until the ex-cop spoke out about it 13 years ago.

Robert Hoobler, 65, was found dead at his home in Jefferson Parish, a few miles west of New Orleans, on Friday, said the parish's coroner, Dr Gerry Cvitanovich. Details about a cause or manner of death weren't immediately available, though he was dealing with various health problems in his final years.