Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long was rushed to the hospital today.

A spokeswoman for the N.C. Department of Insurance said they did not have further details at this time, but they could confirm that he fell ill in a legislative building this afternoon.

"The only thing we know is that he collapsed and was unconscious for a short period," she said. "He was taken to the hospital and his doctor is on the way."

Long did not show up to a state meeting as expected today.

After serving as commissioner since 1984, Long announced his retirement last year.

Update: WUNC's Laura Leslie reports that Long was in the Legislative Office Building, where he had gone to have lunch with former staffers before attending a hearing on coastal insurance.

Second Update: Long's successor, Wayne Goodwin, said he was taken to Rex Hospital.

Third Update: A hospital spokeswoman said he is being assessed by doctors at this time. They are trying to figure out what caused the collapse, she said.

His wife, Peg O'Connell Long, was out of town today, but is en route to the hospital, the hospital spokeswoman said.