FAMU Drum Major Dies After Orlando Game
ORLANDO (CBSMiami) - A drum major for the Florida A&M University Marching 100 died Saturday, just minutes after he complained of being ill and collapsing in a bus at the Orlando hotel where the band was staying for Saturday's Florida Classic game.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said 26-year-old Robert Champion had performed at Halftime in the annual Florida Classic game between the Rattlers and Bethune-Cookman. After returning to the team hotel, Champion vomited in the parking lot and complained he was having trouble breathing.
Other band members gave CPR until Paramedics arrived and Chapman was taken to a nearby hospital. Orange County officials said he died before the ambulance arrived.
Chapman, a former Clarinet player for the band, was from Atlanta.
Orange County officials said foul play is not suspected, but the cause of death won't be known until an autopsy, scheduled for Monday, is complete.
"We are deeply saddened by this loss," said FAMU President James H. Ammons. "Our hearts and our prayers go out to Mr. Champion's family.
