The death of Robert Champion Jr., the 26-year-old Florida A&M University student and drum major who died last month after a suspected hazing incident, has been ruled a homicide, according to a medical examiner.
The Friday afternoon announcement came just as Florida Gov. Rick Scott wrapped up a meeting with James Ammons, the university’s president, whose suspension he recommended amid an investigation into various issues at the university — including Champion’s death.
Orange County officials said in a statement that Champion died November 19 because of “hemorrhagic shock” — the result of excessive internal bleeding — “due to soft tissue hemorrhage, due to blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident.” He died in Orlando, where his band had been playing. 
