Michigan band staffer dies before Buckeyes game

The director of operations for the University of Michigan marching band died on the day of the big game against Ohio State.

The university says Maggie St. Clair had a medical emergency and died Saturday before departing from Michigan for the game in Columbus.

St. Clair took care of marching band operations behind the scenes. She had been with the athletic program’s band for 30 years and the university for 42 years, according to the marching band’s website.

In a written statement, the band said that St. Clair was the “heart of this organization for decades.”

It also said that it’s “impossible to encompass everything that Maggie meant to the Michigan Marching Band,” and said that, “Maggie has touched the lives of thousands of individuals within the university community. Her commitment and unrelenting passion for the organization will be greatly missed. Her contributions will be a part of the fabric of the Michigan Marching Band forever. She was a leader and she was the best.”

Further details weren’t available about how St. Clair died.

The Michigan Athletics Facebook page was flooded with condolences, including one band member who said, “Maggie was a rock for whenever I needed her,” and another who said, “Maggie was not just the director of operations, she was the band mom. She poured her heart into the band and we loved her.”

There also were condolences from Ohio State fans, including one who said, “This OSU fan .... is holding the St. Clair clan in hardcore prayers on the passing of your beloved Maggie. Play on, @umichband, play on, and remember your Maggie fondly and proudly.”