UPDATED: The band trailer has been recovered. A new story is linked.

Barring a miracle, the East Limestone High School marching band may have to replace about $250,000 in lost instruments after its equipment trailer was stolen early Sunday morning from a Birmingham hotel.

Thieves stole the large trailer and the new Ford F-250 pickup truck it was hooked to. Hours earlier, the band had performed at the West Alabama Marching Band competition in Gordo, outside Tuscaloosa.

The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the theft. Band parent Pam Stapleton said hotel officials informed them there were no security cameras in the parking lot. Police hope to gain more information about the case once they review camera footage from nearby businesses.

“We took every precaution; everything was locked and secured and we parked exactly where the hotel told us to park,” Stapleton said. “I don’t know how anyone could do something like this.”

The Athens-Limestone community is already coming together to help the band replace its stolen equipment. The Athens Art League will be accepting instrument and cash donations at High Cotton Arts at 103 Washington St. in Athens. To schedule a drop-off time, email Holly Hollman at hhollman@athensal.us.

The school has also set up a donation site at https://www.youcaring.com/eastlimestonehighschoolbandprogram-1000935.

East Limestone Principal Louis Berry’s tweet Sunday summed up the situation: “We all experience trials and tribulations. The ELHS band had truck and trailer stolen after competition. Let’s keep band in our prayers.”

Stapleton said the band has an “amazingly positive attitude” and are ready to start playing again. They have already ordered 175 kazoos for the band’s instrument players and the percussionist will used buckets and garbage can lids until they can get everything replaced.

“They refuse to let this stop them from doing what they love,” Stapleton said.

More information regarding the theft will be published as it becomes available.