SHORT TAKES : Ex-Statler Brother DeWitt Dies

WAYNESBORO, Va. — DeWitt, an original member of the Statler Brothers country and Western group, died at his home this morning at the age of 53.

Statler Brothers spokeswoman Ann Peters confirmed that DeWitt, who had been in poor health, died about 9:35 a.m.

DeWitt’s manager, Chet Fitzgerald, told a Staunton radio station the cause of death appeared to be cardiac arrest.

In a brief statement, the Statler Brothers, who are on a road tour now, said they visited DeWitt a couple of weeks ago and knew he was in poor health but were stunned by his death.

“We’re shocked,” the Statler Brothers said in their statement. “Our prayers go out to his family.”

DeWitt, a tenor and guitarist, quit the Statler Brothers in 1982 after 18 years with the group when he developed an intestinal disorder. DeWitt recovered and shortly after embarked on a solo career.

DeWitt wrote one of the Statler’s biggest hits, “Flowers on the Wall.”