He was a veteran who had only recently retired from the Air Force.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on December 6, 2021. It has since been updated.
A recently-retired Air Force veteran and father's life came to a tragic end last weekend after he fell from a ladder while decorating his home for Christmas, according to PEOPLE.
Mark Roath died just two days after Thanksgiving, on November 27, 2021, following the accident at his Arlington home, according to his obituary. He was 57.
Tammy Roath, Mark's wife of 23 years, told WFAA that her husband was on a ladder putting up Christmas lights with their son on November 26, 2021, right before noon, when the incident happened. Though Tammy is unsure how the tragic incident took place, she says she walked to the front of the home to find Mark's body twisted in the ladder with his head resting against the driveway.
Mark Roath, an Air Force veteran and father, died after falling off a ladder while putting up Christmas decorations. https://t.co/6o5MWJV3TJ
— KENS 5 (@KENS5) November 30, 2021
The Arlington Fire Department confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that they responded to the home after receiving a report of an injured person who fell from the "roof." The man—later identified as Mark—was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, KXAS reported, citing Arlington Police.
The grieving wife said that her only comfort is in the fact that her husband may have died peacefully. "I believe that he did not feel pain," Tammy said of her husband who suffered a fatal head injury due to the fall.
This.... this is heartbreaking.
— Lindsey🅾️❗GoatLave For Heisman🏈 (@OH_lindzbreezy) December 3, 2021
Mark loved the holiday season and looked forward to decking up their home with cute ornaments, so his death is especially hard for the family to deal with now. "He knew where everything went," she explained. "It takes him two or three days." She added that his priority was always his family. "He was so committed to his family, to his church, and to the Air Force, to the military," Tammy said.
Mark began his service in the Air Force at 17 and recently retired after 38 years. He was a member of the 301st Fighter Wing Maintenance Group for more than 21 years and he worked his way up to Master Sergeant. Mark's organs were donated and his family will be holding a funeral and burial service with full military honors. Visitation services are scheduled for this evening, with a funeral to follow on Saturday and a graveside service at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery next Friday, per his obit.
As they continue to grieve, Tammy is hoping to spread the word about Mark's story so that others do not experience similar tragedies. "Don't do it alone. Have a ladder that is stable and secure," she told WFAA.
She added, "I want him to be proud of me. I want to continue representing him and our family."
It's nearly time for Christmas, and while it's a time of joy for everyone, it certainly doesn't hurt to remain a little cautious so that accidents like these can be avoided.
References:
https://wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/obits/mark-roath/
Cover Image Source: Wade Funeral Home and Crematory
