News has come today from John Wooton at the University of Southern Mississippi that Mr. Marty Hurley, band director for the Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, and a legend in the marching band community, has had a stroke this morning and is in a coma in a New Orleans hospital. Please keep him in your thoughts. I will try to keep you updated as I can.

UPDATE: The stroke was in a major artery in the back of his head leading to his brain. From John Wooton's facebook posts, it appears that Mr. Hurley has improved a little, but is still unconscious.

Wow. Here's hoping for the best.

UPDATE:

From John Wooton's Facebook page:

"I have some good news!! Marty moved his left leg today and held up two fingers when asked to. At times he is able to answer yes and no with head movement. He made eye contact with his wife, Paulette, and got a little choked up with a chin quiver when two students from Brother Martin came by to let him know how much they missed him and that his new street beat was awesome!"

I pray ALL is well.........

I just heard that Marty has passed away. A great loss for the Rudimental/Marching Drum community.

From John Wooton's Page:

"I am sorry I have not posted more news about Marty lately, but recently there hasn't been a lot of good news. Today Marty decided to move on. He has been released from the hospital and all tubes have been removed. He is comfortable and at home. He requested no visitors during his final days. God Bless Marty Hurley"