They are one of the nation's leading college marching bands, but now a dark cloud hangs over the Florida A&M marching band after one of its drum majors died. Authorities believe he could have been the victim of a hazing ritual. INSIDE EDITION r
It's one of the nation's most famous marching bands. But now, Florida A&M's Marching 100 has been rocked by the suspected hazing death of one of its drum majors.
26-year-old Robert Champion collapsed and died after a performance at a football game.
Police believe he was the victim of a violent hazing on the band bus.
They had a grim warning for the students involved:
"Any death that occurs as a result of hazing is a third-degree felony," the Orange County Sheriff said.
The Florida A&M band is known for its high-energy routines. The band also represented the state of Florida during President Obama's Inauguration parade.
Friends of Champion, a music major, posted a poignant tribute to him on YouTube, to the accompaniment of the band's music.
The Tallahassee-based university has suspended all band activities during the probe of Champion's death.
