Dance & Aux Forum

Robert Champion has reportedly died on the bus after  the Florida Classic. Some speculate it to be from a heart attack, others speculate hazing. He had just finished his first year as drum major, but accidentally dropped his mace on the field. This really isnt a good look for HBCU Bands at all. Reguardless, our prayers are out with the family of Robert Champion

Orange County Sheriff's deputies said a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University studentwho was found dead aboard a bus outside an Orlando hotel was feeling ill before he went unconscious.

Robert Champion, 26, was on the bus with the FAMU marching band in front of the Rosen Plaza hotel onInternational Drive Saturday when he started throwing up and complained that he couldn't breathe, according toOrange County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Ginette Rodriguez.

Friends called 911 and performed CPR, she said.

Deputies arrived about 9:46 p.m. to find Champion unresponsive, and they transported him to Dr. Phillips hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Rodriguez said there were no signs of foul play, but detectives still are investigating. Authorities said an autopsy will be performed Monday.

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Rodriquez said the victim's mother was contacted by FAMU school officials and notified of the death.

Champion, a drum major for the Rattler's award-winning "Marching 100" band, was returning from the Florida Classic football game where the team had performed.

Marching band director Dr. Julian White said Champion was "a great person, outstanding leader, very fine musician with very good character."

Champion's Facebook page said the Atlanta-native is a music technology and education major at the Tallahassee historically black university.