Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long remains in a coma after having suffered a hemorrhagic stroke last Wednesday.

"Jim has suffered a very serious stroke," said Peg O'Connell, Long's wife, in a statement released by Rex Hospital on Monday. "He is still in a coma, but we are hopeful that he will regain consciousness soon. The physicians and staff at Rex are giving him the best care possible."

"Our family has been very touched by the outpouring of love and support for Jim," said O'Connell. "We hope that everyone will continue to keep us in their thoughts and prayers."

Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long remained in the intensive care unit at Rex Hospital Friday after suffering "a serious stroke" on Wedesday, according to a statement by Rex Hospital.

"We are tremendously moved by the support our family feels from so many," said Peg O'Connell, Long's wife. "We thank everyone for respecting our privacy. As things progress we will keep everyone informed."

Long, who retired from office earlier this month, collapsed in the Legislative Building on Wednesday, Rob Christensen reports.

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.