According to AL.com, Robert Hooper has not been seen since he vanished from his home in Lipscomb on June 26, and this past weekend his family marked 126 days without him by gathering to pray, light candles, and beg anyone with information to come forward. The 68-year-old, known to loved ones as Bobby, stands roughly 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 230 pounds, according to the description authorities released in the weeks after he disappeared. His family says they no longer believe he is alive.
Kimberley Hooper, a relative of the missing man, told AL.com that the family believes Bobby is no longer alive and is asking anyone with information to come forward. She said finding his remains would bring the family closure and allow them to hold a proper ceremony. The family first learned something was wrong after receiving information that foul play had taken place, which prompted them to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in the Bessemer Cutoff, the outlet reports.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office had already gone public with a missing-person alert for Hooper, describing him as last seen at his Lipscomb home on June 26, 2026. Investigators believe Hooper walked away from the house, though his clothing at the time he disappeared remains unknown, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The agency has continued asking for the public's help in locating him.
Family Says Others Reported Foul Play
As noted by AL.com, Kimberley Hooper said other people had reported that there was definitely foul play involved, though she said she withheld some details out of fear that revealing them could hinder the investigation. She said the family knows there was foul play, a belief the outlet describes as central to why they are now seeking not just answers but justice. Family and friends have searched the streets on numerous occasions looking for Hooper and have posted frequent updates on social media since he went missing.
Hooper's brother, Darryl Hooper, described him as loving and giving, saying his brother would give his last to anybody. Darryl told the outlet that his brother's disappearance cut short their usual calls, jokes, and laughter, a loss he said still weighs on him months later.
Vigil Draws Sheriff's Lieutenant, Renewed Pleas for Tips
Per a report from AL.com, the family's gathering to pray and light candles in Hooper's honor was attended by Sheriff's Lt. Carl Benefield, who told the family and press that the investigation remains ongoing. Benefield asked anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The original missing-person alert issued by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office listed the sheriff's office number, 205-325-1450, for information about Hooper's whereabouts. As of October 25, 121 days had passed since he vanished from the Lipscomb area in western Jefferson County, and his family says they are still waiting for the call that brings him home.
