UPDATED: Former legislator rushed to hospital
Friends say former Rep. Sherman Parker, R-St. Charles, has been rushed to the hospital after suffering what is believed to be an aneurysm. 
Parker is in a drug-induced coma at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, according to Sen. Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles. A hospital spokesman said Parker is in critical condition.
Parker, 37, represented St. Charles in the House from 2003 to 2006, when he ran unsuccessfully for Congress against Rep. Todd Akin.
Earlier, Parker worked for several prominent Republicans, including former Sen. Jim Talent.
UPDATE from Jo Mannies, 10:30 p.m.:
State GOP spokeswoman Tina Hervey said tonight that, at the request of the family, she is confirming that Parker has been declared brain-dead. Preparations are being made for organ donations, in line with his wishes, Hervey said.
Our sympathies are with Rep. Parker’s family. As a reporter, I must say that Rep. Parker was always friendly, upfront and honest. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Sherman.
Likewise.
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I never got to meet Sherman, but I knew of him through friends. By all accounts, he was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. His family and friends are in my prayers during this tragic event.
Sherman Parker, may you soon rest in peace.
Godspeed
I met Mr. Parker when he walked my neighborhood, asking for my vote. He impressed me as an upright citizen intent on only going good in office. When I mentioned my political aspirations (as a member of the Libertarian Party) he was only supportive and kind.
He will be remembered well.
–Andy
I met him and voted for him against Akin. I thought he was a true bright spot in the GOP. This is so sad.
Sherman is my friend and more like a brother to me. I owe everything to him. He held my first fundraiser for me; he raised $3,000 for an unknown candidate in a race that I couldn’t win. He always made sure I had contacts and donors. When I wold go to Jefferson City his door was never closed. He made sure that when folks came to town that I was included. He had no reason to do this but it was his committment that African-Americans have a presence in the Republican Party. Yesterday was hard for me; to see my friend like this. When I got divorced he stood by me and gave me words of encouragement. He will truly be missed by me and my family. Thank you for being you.
Sherman and I came into the Missouri House together. We where both Republicans, however, we both voted the way we wanted to, not the way the party leaders wanted us to vote. As a matter of fact, we probably voted the same way 99% of the time. I will never forget one of the last conversations we had sitting outside of the State Capitol on a bench on a very nice spring day towards the end of the his last year in the House. We shared stories about why he was leaving the House and I understood his actions. Sherman was a good friend, someone who stood up for what he believed in, voted with his heart and had no problem telling you why. I will miss his smile and his sharp suits. God bless Sherman and all of his family, he will be missed!
Sherman was one of the quietest and nicest guys I ever worked with in the house. Very sad. My thoughts are with his family
Sherman Parker was one of the few Conservatives I knew who still had an ability to be frank and open when he realized injustices needed to be addressed. He had a warm and decent personality that prevented you from disliking him. His ability to remain respectful in the face of serious political disagreements will be missed!