'Selfless' father dies while moving son into university accommodation

Sep 01, 2023

Jeremy Tillman, 45, collapsed inside an Arkansas State University campus residential building after appearing in distress as he helped move his son into college. His partner Elizabeth Goodson, said he suddenly stopped breathing

A "selfless" father collapsed and died while moving his son into a college dormitory.

Jeremy Tillman, 45, collapsed inside an Arkansas State University campus residential building after appearing in distress as he helped move his son into college. His partner Elizabeth Goodson, said he suddenly stopped breathing.

The 45-year-old car salesman, was described as a "selfless" father by Goodson, who said he "had a very sudden medical event as we were moving things in. I guess he may have strained too hard."

Jeremy had recently become engaged to Elizabeth, who added: "He took me and my 6 children, and chose to integrate us into his life without hesitation. Jeremy was a tender and affectionate partner. 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.”

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Jeremy, who had six children of his own and two grandchildren, was found unconscious by police shortly after collapsing as he started to foam at the mouth. Emergency responders performed CPR and used a defibrillator in a bid to restart his heart but he was declared dead after arriving at St Bernard's Medical Center.

Goodson told KARK 4 News: "We went there with him, and then driving home without him was, I think, one of the worst things I've ever experienced. Goodson, who wore her engagement dress to the funeral, told Kark: "He just took everyone in and loved them like his own, so he is deeply loved by all of his children. 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."

His daughter Hanna Brazil wrote on Facebook: "I realise 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. My sweet father, this feels unreal."

Son Jace posted a moving montage of childhood photos featuring him and his dad on Facebook, while another son, Jaymi Tillman, wrote on Facebook: "God I miss you so much already. He was selfless, and always worked hard to ensure everyone had the things that they wanted and needed, often to his own detriment," Goodson said.

"I know a lot of people often say it but he never met a stranger, he was always really friendly, outgoing and everyone loved him. As a family everyone just leans on one another. We have a good circle of friends and this is a great community to lean on everyone just kind of rallies around one another."

His family remembered him for his love of "shooting guns, working on cars, and most of all, spending time with his family", his obituary recorded. Goodson said after his death; "I will say the school did a very good job of assisting in every way possible and making sure everyone was moved.'

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