Family Of Dead FAMU Student Prepare Lawsuit
ORLANDO, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – The family of a Florida A&M University drum major who was found dead last Saturday night has submitted a notice of intent to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the school.
The lawsuit comes after Robert Champion, 26, was found unresponsive in a bush parked outside of an Orlando hotel last Saturday after FAMU lost to rival Bethune-Cookman.
According to police, Champion had been vomiting and complaining he couldn't breathe before he collapsed. Police believe that Champion died due to some form of hazing that took place before 911 was called.
Attorney Christopher Chestnut said that Champion's family wants to raise awareness of the issue of hazing in college bands.
"The culture of hazing is don't ask, don't tell," Chestnut said during a news conference Monday. "The family is saying, 'please tell.'"
Pamela Champion said Monday that the family wants to help people come forward and make universities eliminate the practice of hazing.
"It needs to stop and we want it to stop," Champion said. "No one wants to be standing in our shoes."
FAMU fired its band director Julian White previously. No arrests have been made so far in Champion's death.
