Cobb County community mourns unexpected death of high school band teacher

MARIETTA, Ga. - People across metro Atlanta are mourning the unexpected loss of a Cobb County High School band director.

Madison Argo worked as the band director at Wheeler High School in Marietta. He was just 32 years old and had been with the high school for two years.

He passed away suddenly on Thursday, but the manner in which he died has not been released yet.

Madison Argo (Wheeler High School)

"Yesterday was particularly hard because we would talk on Sundays around lunchtime like every week, and I didn't get that call," Jonathan Corona said

"In some ways it doesn't feel real still. And then in other ways, it absolutely feels very real," Brady McNeil added.

The band's booster club remembered Argo as a "dedicated leader" who brought a passion for music and marching to the school.

"Mr. Argo, Thank you for your dedication to our students. We miss you and hope to make you proud this marching band competition season," the club wrote.

Before working at Wheeler High School, Argo served as the head drum major of the Auburn University Marching Band and the associate director of bands at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville. During his time at the high school, he took the Wildcat Marching Band to perform at Walt Disney World and in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

On Instagram, Auburn University Marching Band Director Dr. Corey Spurlin said that Argo was "one of the most outstanding students I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure at Auburn."

"He loved his family, his band students, music, wrestling, and Auburn. He was a truly great Auburn man, and he will be missed," Spurlin wrote.

Argo's friends said he was also dedicated to his fitness and health. They said his commitment to his friendships, even across state lines, would never be forgotten.

"He would call you at any hour of the day, and he didn't care if you were busy. In this day and age, so many people are like 'Oh, I don't want to bother them, and he'd bother you in the best of ways," McNeil said.

"We were listening to voicemails the other night and every single voicemail he left Jonathan he signed off with love you just every single one. Not everyone does that," Jamie Corona added.

The Cobb County School District released the following statement on Argo's passing:

"We mourn along with the Wheeler High School community following the passing of the school's band director. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who are grieving. School counselors will continue to be available to support students and staff during this difficult time."

The Wheeler High School Band booster club has set up a GoFundMe to help his family pay for his funeral expenses.