A tragedy hit another HBCU campus…

A Florida A&M drum major died suddenly following the Florida Classic Saturday. Atlanta native Robert Champion, 27, had just returned to the FAMU marching band’s hotel, in Orlando, FL, when he became sick and complained of being unable to breathe.

Friends of the victim called 911. He was transported to Doctor Phillips Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities do not suspect foul-play.

Champion, a 2004 graduate of Southwest Dekalb High School, was a member of the famed FAMU Marching 100.

11 News contacted a relative who said the family is in a state of shock and unable to speak about the death. He went on to say they know very little at this time.

In a statement released by FAMU, Band Director Julian White said,

“He was a very fine drum major who was of excellent character…I had not told him yet, but he was slated to be the head drum major next year.”

The university is preparing to provide grief counseling for band members and students.

My condolences to the FAMU community.