Funeral Planned For FAMU Music Student

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) — Friends and family of a Florida A&M University band member who died from suspected hazing will gather for his funeral.

Robert Champion’s funeral is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur. The 26-year-old was found dead on Nov. 19 on a bus parked outside an Orlando, Fla. hotel after the school’s football team lost to a rival.

Police say Champion, a clarinet player who recently was named drum major, had been vomiting and complained he couldn’t breathe shortly before he collapsed. Authorities suspect hazing but have not released any more details about what may have led to Champion’s death.

Champion’s family attorney says a “culture of hazing” lead to his death, but he and Champion’s relatives wouldn’t discuss details.

Source: Associated Press