The jazz trumpet player Donald Ayler died, aged 65, on 21st October in Northfield, Ohio. Ayler was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and first played alto sax, later changing to trumpet, which he studied at the Cleveland Institute. He was a respected exponent of a free jazz approach, often working with his brother, the alto saxophonist Albert Ayler. Following Albert’s death in 1970, Donald had what he referred to as a nervous breakdown, and his performing career effectively ended. He spent most of the rest of his life out of the public eye but led a band briefly in the early 1980s, from which era comes his only solo recording, the 3-LP set “In Florence” which is long unavailable and highly prized by collectors.

Donald Ayler's funeral took place on 30th October; he is survived by his father, and by a niece and a nephew. For more information please see the UK Guardian newspaper’s detailed obituary and the Albert Ayler website, both linked below.

Links:
Donald Ayler - Guardian obituary
Albert Ayler site - has very useful content regarding Donald in its "What's New" section - scroll or search down for a sound sample (Our Prayer), photos, an account of the funeral and links to obituaries, blogs and other commentary. There is also a Donald Ayler discography page with a 1981 interview transcription.