Florida A&M President Dr. James Ammons said Tuesday that band performances have been suspended “indefinitely,” including the Marching “100” and that a task force is being set up to investigate the death of drum major Robert Champion.
Dr. Ammons said, the suspension will take effect immediately and remain in effect during the investigation of the events that led up to Champion’s death.
“The purpose of this review is not to establish culpability of individual band members in this particular case, but rather to determine whether there are patterns of behavior by the band – or members of it — that should be addressed at the institutional level,” Ammons said, cfnews13.com reported.
Ammons said that FAMU is cooperating with with Orange County Sheriff’s Office, currently conducting an investigation in Champion’s death.
On Tuesday afternoon, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings confirmed that an active investigation is underway and that hazing could have played a role in Champion’s death . Since Robert’s death, speculation has run wild that he might have died from hazing.
Champion, 26, died suddenly last Saturday following the Florida Classic game in Orlando. Champion, along with other band members, had returned to the Rosen Center Hotel on International Drive, just before 10:00 p.m., when he complained of not being able to breathe. He reportedly threw up in the parking lot. Colleagues and friends called 911 and began CPR, but he was pronounced dead at Dr. Phillips Hospital later that evening.
Champion’s father, Robert Champion, Sr., told WSB-TV Atlanta, “I think he was in pretty good condition. He ate and trained and had no medical condition that I know of.”
An initial autopsy into Champion’s death turned out to be inconclusive and further tests are being awaited.
