Michigan band's director of operations died suddenly before game against Ohio State

Just hours before leaving for their biggest game of the year, the Michigan marching band lost a key member of its organization.

Maggie St. Clair, the Michigan marching band’s director of operations, died on Saturday morning after suffering a medical emergency just before the band left for the game in Columbus, Ohio, the university announced on Saturday.

St. Clair was in her 13th year with the marching band and her 42nd year working at Michigan. She was in charge of the “behind the scenes activities” of the program, according to the band’s website.

“It is impossible to encompass everything that Maggie meant to the Michigan Marching Band in a short statement,” the band said in a statement on Facebook. “She has been the heart of this organization for decades. The high standards that she held herself and those around her to helped shape the MMB into what it is today.

“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.”

No. 10 Ohio State dominated No. 4 Michigan on Saturday, beating the Wolverines 62-39 and earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship game.

More from Yahoo Sports:
• Embiid trolls Thompson after loss: ‘Cavaliers still run the East’
• West Virginia coach Holgorsen perplexed by penalties in Oklahoma loss
• Washington will play for Pac-12 title after beating Cougars in Apple Cup
• NFL experts pick which games should have your attention