FAMU student autopsy reveals extensive bleeding
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida A&M student whose death last month has uncovered a hazing culture at the school had extensive bleeding in his back and right shoulder, according to a full autopsy report released Wednesday.
Robert Champion suffered heavy bleeding in tissue under his skin and over his muscle in his back, upper chest and upper arm, according to the report released by the medical examiner's office in Orlando. He also had bruising on his chest, abrasions below his waist, vomit in his lungs, crushed fat tissue and a temperature of 102 degrees at the time attempts were made to revive him.
The medical examiner's office released a synopsis of the autopsy report last week in which it concluded that Champion's death was a homicide. The full autopsy report released Wednesday provides greater details on his injuries.
The autopsy concluded that internal bleeding caused from blunt force trauma led to shock. The 26-year-old Champion died within an hour of the hazing incident during which he was repeatedly hit, the autopsy report said. He complained of thirst and being tired, lost his vision and then collapsed after the hazing. Champion vomited as CPR was performed on him.
"The symptoms are consistent with hypotension or shock," the report said.
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State and local authorities are investigating the death. Any death involving hazing is a third-degree felony in Florida, but no charges have been filed so far. Three male band members were arrested in a separate probe involving the recent beating of a female member whose thigh bone was broken.
The school's board publicly reprimanded FAMU President James Ammons, but board members earlier this week rejected Gov. Rick Scott's call to suspend him while multiple investigations are underway.
Band director Julian White was fired after Champion died. But his status changed to being on administrative leave after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement asked that no disciplinary action be taken at the school until its investigation is finished.