Local farming-community stalwart Rob Hogan died Friday morning at UNC Hospitals after a three-week battle for his life.
Hogan, 54, had been in intensive care after he fell from his tractor on Sept. 15. He had been working in the field until 11 p.m. and missed the last step while getting off of his tractor, landing with his full weight on his hip. Over the course of the night, Hogan’s leg became increasingly numb and EMS brought him to the emergency room at UNC Hospitals in the early hours of Sept. 16.
The doctors determined that Hogan had developed rhabdomyolysis, a condition where injured muscle tissue deteriorates and releases myoglobin, which is toxic to the kidneys. Hogan had multiple surgeries, and while his condition had improved last week, his health deteriorated rapidly Thursday after a surgery on Wednesday.
Hogan lived on Hogan’s Magnolia View Farm outside of Carrboro, where the Hogan family has farmed for more than 240 years. The farm is also home to Rameses, the UNC football team mascot.
The family posted updates on Hogan’s condition to a website, caringbridge.org/visit/robandannhogan/journal, which had more than 67,000 visits. According to the website, more than 40 family members gathered at the hospital Thursday night.
thank you for this, susie.
his death reminds us of the fragility of life; and looking at what he has contributed to this community, the importance of taking every opportunity to further the common good.
The world lost a true man of honor, honesty, humor, and above all kindness on Friday. I have known Rob for more than 30 years and will miss him with all my heart. A truer friend cannot be had in this life. That there have been more than 40,000 tributes and prayers in his honor, is a testimony to his character.