A father-of-11 suddenly collapsed and tragically died while helping his son move into a college dormitory.
On Saturday (August 19), Jeremy Tillman, 45, of Russellville, Arkansas, was inside an Arkansas State University campus residential building when he suffered a "very sudden medical event," his fiancée, Elizabeth Goodson, told NBC affiliate KARK 4 News.
"He came through the door and he was in obvious distress," the 39-year-old told the publication. "I guess he may have strained too hard."
The doting father was assisting his son, Jace Tillman, to move his belongings onto campus ahead of the fall semester when he suddenly collapsed. According to Today, he was found not breathing on the floor with foam "pouring" out of his mouth.
Emergency services performed CPR on Tillman and used a defibrillator to restart his heart before rushing him to St. Bernards Medical Center, where he sadly passed away.
Goodson - who had gotten engaged to Tillman at the end of June in Peru and wore her engagement dress to the funeral - said: "We went there with him, and then driving home without him was, I think, one of the worst things I've ever experienced."
A spokesperson from Arkansas State University shared a statement regarding Tillman's tragic death which read: "Chancellor Todd Shields and Arkansas State University extend deepest condolences to student Jace Tillman. The university community will continue to support Jace and keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."
The grieving fiancée spoke about her late partner's life before his tragic death and said that he treated her six children like his own "without hesitation," and was the "epitome of what a man and father should be".
"He just took everyone in and loved them like his own, so he is deeply loved by all of his children," she said. Goodson also told Today that Tillman was an "understanding parent" who, despite working full-time and part-time at home, always showed up to his children's "important events".
"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," she continued. "He was selfless, and always worked hard to ensure everyone had the things that they wanted and needed, often to his own detriment."
The grandfather-of-two's family remembered him for his love of "shooting guns, working on cars, and most of all, spending time with his family," his obituary read.
Tillman’s daughter took to Facebook to write a heartbreaking tribute to her father, penning: "I realize now why you always told me I was strong, you [knew] one day I would need the strength to bear your loss. I just never imagined it would come this soon. I love you forever. Fly high with Cassie I’ll see you again one day."
His son, Jaymi Tillman, also wrote: "God I miss you so much already," while Jace shared a montage of childhood photos of him and his dad to his account.
Our thoughts are with Tillman's family and friends at this time.
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