Autopsy: Hazing attack killed Champion

• Tweet

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The results of an autopsy show Florida A&M University student Robert Champion died from blunt-force trauma suffered during a hazing attack, officials say.

The autopsy "revealed extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder, and back with extensive hemorrhage," the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office said Friday.

Medical examiners ruled the death "the result of hemorrhagic shock due to soft tissue hemorrhage, incurred by blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident," the Orlando Sentinel reported.

After the results were reported Friday, sheriff's investigators said they would meet with the State Attorney's Office to determine what, if any, charges would be made.

Champion collapsed in the parking lot of the Rosen Plaza hotel Nov. 19 after the Florida Classic football game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University.

Authorities have said Champion's death was related to an apparent hazing ritual on the band's parked bus.

A joint statement issued from Dr. Solomon L. Badger III, chair of the FAMU board, and President James Ammons called the autopsy results "extremely upsetting for all of us, even though it confirmed what we suspected."

"We again convey our deepest condolences to the Champion family. We will continue to cooperate with all agencies looking into the matter and are committed to creating a safe environment for the entire FAMU community and ensuring that this never happens again at FAMU," the statement said.