College band suspended after death
Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major with Florida A&M University's marching band, became ill and died Saturday night after a game, the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff's Office said. hazing suspected drum major death, FAMU director fired scandal,
Investigators have found that hazing was involved in the incident, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said Tuesday.
The cause of death is inconclusive, however, and the medical examiner says more tests are required, Demings added.
"Any death that occurs as the result of hazing is a third degree felony," he said. "Anyone who participates in such events can be criminally charged."
FAMU President James Ammons announced Tuesday he is immediately suspending "any and all performances and engagements for bands and other ensembles under the auspices of the Music Department, including the Marching 100."
The suspension will stay in place during the investigations of Champion's death, Ammons said, and it will not be lifted until he authorizes it.
Ammons vowed to convene a task force "to determine if there are any unauthorized and questionable activities associated with the culture of the Marching 100."
"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.," he said.
At a news conference, Ammons was asked whether there were previous instances of possible hazing in the band this semester. "There were allegations that were turned over to the authorities and those investigations are ongoing at this time," he responded.
Asked whether it is accurate that at least 30 band members were let go this semester because of possible involvement in hazing, he said, "That is true."
CNN's calls to the university for further information were not immediately returned.
In his statement, Ammons warned students: "There will be no retaliation against anyone who cooperates with the investigation, but there will be serious consequences for anyone who tries to impede it."
The school's anti-hazing policy states that any students or groups found to be responsible for hazing can face penalties ranging from fines to expulsion.
Read more: cnn
