FAMU drum major's family to sue after suspected hazing death

By the CNN Wire Staff

November 28, 2011 -- Updated 1235 GMT (2035 HKT)

Florida A&M University student Robert Champion, 26, became ill and died November 20.

Florida A&M University student Robert Champion, 26, became ill and died November 20.Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major, became ill and died after a gameAt least 30 band members were let go this semester because of alleged hazing

(CNN) -- The family of Robert Champion, a Florida university drum major who died on November 20, will hold a news conference Monday where they will announce their decision to file a lawsuit against the school.

Champion, a 26-year-old drum major with Florida A&M University's marching band, became ill at an Orlando hotel following a game on November 20. He reportedly threw up in the parking lot and started complaining of not being able to breathe, authorities said.

Champion was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told CNN last week that hazing was involved, but added that authorities were trying to determine an official cause of death. Under Florida law, any death that occurs as the result of hazing is a third-degree felony.

Following the death, FAMU President James H. Ammons suspended all band performances and said he will convene a task force "to determine if there are any unauthorized and questionable activities associated with the culture of the Marching 100."

In addition, FAMU moved to fire longtime band director Julian E. White. White had led the 420-member band since 1998 and has hired an attorney to fight for his job.

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey asking the department to join the investigation "to assure that the circumstances leading to Mr. Champion's death become fully known, and that if there are individuals directly or indirectly responsible for this death, they are appropriately brought to justice and held accountable."

Ammons has acknowledged that at least 30 band members were let go this semester because of possible involvement in hazing.

Source: CNN