FAMU Death Caused By Hazing, Blunt Force Trauma

The Late Robert Champion

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Florida A&M University student did in fact die of hazing, authorities announced Friday. Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major at FAMU, died just hours after the Florida Classic game in Orlando.

The medical examiner's office said Friday Champion's death was the result of a soft tissue hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma. The death was ruled a homicide.

"The autopsy revealed extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder, and back with extensive hemorrhage within the subcutaneous fat, between fascial planes and within deep muscles," authorities said Friday.

No drugs or alcohol were found in Champion's system.

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Death of hazed FAMU drum major ruled homicide

The death of Florida A&M University marching band drum major Robert Champion has been ruled a homicide, the local medical examiner has announced.

The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office determined that the 26-year-old's death was the result of blunt-force trauma while he was being hazed, the Orlando Sentinel says.

He "collapsed and died within an hour of a hazing incident during which he suffered multiple blunt trauma blows to his body," the ME's statement said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office said it would soon meet with the state attorney to decide whether charges will be filed, the Sentinel says.

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