FAMU Drum Major's Death Ruled a Homicide

citizen |

Champion died after the annual Florida Classic football game between FAMU and Bethune Cookman on Nov. 19. Authorities have said the drum major died after an apparent hazing ritual on a parked band bus.
Champion died after the annual Florida Classic football game between FAMU and Bethune Cookman on Nov. 19. Authorities have said the drum major died after an apparent hazing ritual on a parked band bus.

Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champions death was ruled a homicide.

An autopsy conducted by the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office "revealed extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder, and back with extensive hemorrhage."

The results of the autopsy showed that Champion, 26, died because of blunt-force trauma suffered during a hazing incident.

Even though there were no broken bones to 26-year-old Champion's internal organs, there was "a significant rapid blood loss" due to the injuries he suffered, the report further stated.

The medical examiner added that Champion died as "the result of hemorrhagic shock due to soft tissue hemorrhage, incurred by blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident."

The Orlando Sentinel reported that sheriff's investigators said they will meet with the State Attorney's Office soon to determine what, if any, criminal charges will be filed.

Champion's mother, Pamela, reached at her Georgia home, said she's "still trying to come to terms and absorb" the information contained in the report, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

A joint statement issued by Dr. Solomon L. Badger III, chairman of the FAMU board, and Ammons, called the autopsy information "extremely upsetting for all of us, even though it confirmed what we suspected.

"We again convey our deepest condolences to the Champion family. We will continue to cooperate with all agencies looking into the matter and are committed to creating a safe environment for the entire FAMU community and ensuring that this never happens again at FAMU."

Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner officials said the autopsy found no evidence of a natural cause for Champion's death, including disease, sickle-cell trait, drugs or alcohol.

"Immediately after the hazing incident, he complained of thirst and fatigue; minutes later, he noted loss of vision" and soon suffered cardiac arrest, the medical examiner said.

Gainesville lawyer Christopher Chestnut, who is representing Champion's family, said, "It confirms our suspicions."

The family is distraught, he said, and wants to put an end to hazing. The Champions have already filed notice of intent to sue the school, although they do not know who was involved, what was done or where.

Special to the NNPA from the Florida CourierInformation from The Associated Press and The Orlando Sentinel were used in compiling this report.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.