The autopsy of deceased FAMU marching band drum major Robert Champion has been completed, and his death has officially been ruled a homicide. Medical examiners ruled Champion's death was "the result of hemorrhagic shock due to soft tissue hemorrhage, incurred by blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident."
According to the report released by the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office, the autopsy "revealed extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder, and back with extensive hemorrhage."
No broken bones or damaged organs were found, but Champion experienced rapid blood loss due to the blunt trauma. Champion went into shock after being injured.
Champion died November 19 shortly after the band played during the halftime show of the FAMU-Bethune Cookman game near Orlando. It's believed the hazing ritual took place on the band's bus after the game.
The incident has caused the entire band to be placed on suspension. Longtime director Dr. Julius White might be fired, and Gov. Rick Scott has called for the suspension of school president James Ammons. The investigation into FAMU has also uncovered fraud, which is now being handled separately. Three other band members were arrested for a separate hazing incident that also took place in November and that left a band member's leg broken.
