Tragedy strikes FAMU band following classic

President James Ammons shakes hands with  Robert Champion following the 2011Atlanta Classic football game.

Robert D. Champion, a member of the FAMU Marching 100, and 2004 graduate of Atlanta's Southwest DeKalb High School, collapsed and died late last night in Orlando.


Champion spent the 2011 season as a FAMU drum major. According to his facebook page, he was a Music Technology/Education major, and performed with the band at the Florida Classic earlier yesterday.


FAMU President James Ammons said, "Champion's death was a major loss for the university and our hearts and prayers go out to his family."


Orange County Sheriff Office said Champion was vomiting and complaining of being unable to breath outside the Rosen Plaza Hotel after the Florida Classic game.  His friends called 911 and started to administer CPR.  He was transported to Orlando's Dr. Phillips Hospital where he died.


Sheriff Officials said an investigation is ongoing, and no foul play is suspected at this time.