RALEIGH, N.C. – The wife of former North Carolina insurance commissioner Jim Long says her husband is in a coma after suffering a stroke last week.

In a statement released Monday by Rex Hospital, Long’s wife Peg O’Connell said doctors hope he will regain consciousness soon.

Long was taken to the Raleigh hospital after he collapsed outside a legislator’s office last Wednesday. Doctors have said the 68-year-old Long suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when blood escapes from the arteries and floods into the brain.

O’Connell said her family is touched by the expressions of support for her husband. The hospital said cards are welcome, but patients in intensive care can’t receive flowers and balloons.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Hospital officials say former state Insurance Commissioner Jim Long is in intensive care at a Raleigh hospital after suffering a serious stroke.

Rex Hospital spokeswoman Melody Hunter-Pillion said Friday that Long remains hospitalized after collapsing Wednesday afternoon outside a lawmaker’s office at the Legislative building. Current commissioner Wayne Goodwin said the 68-year-old Long could communicate as he was being treated by emergency crews.

In a statement released by the hospital, his wife, Peg O’Connell, said family members “are tremendously moved by the support” from so many people. She also thanked everyone for respecting their privacy.

Long is a Democrat who retired before last year’s election after serving as commissioner for 23 years.