John Robinson Death,China Spring Mourns Beloved Worker After Tragic Fall
The China Spring community is mourning the loss of John Robinson, a dedicated family man and longtime employee of Waco Paving, who passed away on February 14, 2026, from complications of a devastating spinal cord injury. He was 66.
Robinson’s tragedy began on January 27, after he was dropped off at home following an early work closure due to icy weather. As his coworker drove away, Robinson slipped on the ice, striking his head and severely injuring his spinal cord between the C3 and C5 vertebrae. Paralyzed and unable to call for help, he lay on the frozen ground for nearly an hour.
His rescue came thanks to the alertness of Orkin technician Benjamin Smith, who spotted him and called 911. Rushed to Hillcrest Hospital, Robinson underwent surgery but remained paralyzed from the neck down. In the weeks that followed, his family chronicled a difficult battle with significant swelling and mounting medical complications.
His condition tragically deteriorated on February 14, culminating in two cardiac events. Despite being stabilized after the first, he later struggled to breathe and was placed on a ventilator. He passed away that evening.
A 30-year resident, Robinson was remembered as a tireless worker devoted to his job and community. His accident prompted an immediate outpouring of local support, including volunteers who repaired burst pipes at his home the same day he fell. His death leaves a profound void, highlighting both the fragility of life and the strength of the community that rallied around him.
