Orlando, Florida -- Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings announced today that hazing was involved in the death of FAMU student Robert D.Champion in Orlando last weekend. Results of an autopsy performed Monday were inconclusive, Demings said. More medical tests will be performed.
Demings' comments came just hours after Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University announced it has suspended all band performances while the university investigates the circumstances of the drum major's death in Orlando amid allegations of hazing within the school's famed marching band.
FAMU President Dr. James Ammons announced today that FAMU is organizing an independent task force related to "unauthorized and questionable" activities within the 375-member marching band. The panel would try to "determine if there are patterns of inappropriate behavior within the culture of the band," Ammons said.
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Today's FAMU Press Conference Talking Points - James H. Ammons, President
A Musical & Photographic tribute to the late Robert Champion. Mr. Champion was a Drum Major for the FAMU Marching 100 Band. (this video was originally uploaded by: Twan Born'Bleszed Miller at Facebook. Music by Florida A&M University Marching 100, "Order My Steps," with solo by Star Crawford.
Authorities investigate FAMU student’s death
Orlando, Florida -- New details about the mysterious death of a Florida A&M student following this weekend's Florida Classic. University president James Ammons suspended all practices and performances for the Marching 100 band as the investigation into how a member died continues.
Robert Champion died Saturday night in the parking lot of the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive.
Ammons announced the school will form an independent task force to look into the death and determine if there were ongoing inappropriate band customs or traditions. He was a drum major for the FAMU marching band that played at the Florida Classic.
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To our brothers and sisters of Florida A&M University, The Marching 100 and the Champion Family. It's pointless to try to express how we feel for you in words. We dedicate this song from the 1999 FSU Marching Chiefs, originally performed for the loss of one of our own. We turn to it again for the same purposes. May you always find comfort in music...
-The Florida State University Marching Chiefs
& The Entire Seminole Family
