It's been weeks since the death of a Florida A&M University student has hit the national headlines. On Nov. 19, a 26-year-old member of the university's famous marching band died. Since his untimely death, speculation has been swirling regarding the loss. Did the young man die of natural causes? Did he die in an accident? Did he die as the result of a crime?

According to Reuters, an autopsy recently answered that question. The medical examiner's report indicates that the death is the result of a homicide. The victim reportedly suffered from hypotension and shock, allegedly as the result of a violent hazing incident involving his membership with the famous university marching band.

The report says that the student received blows to multiple parts of his body and suffered from internal bleeding as the result of the attacks. He didn't have drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death. His family's reaction to the homicide report isn't complete shock, though now they are living with the tragic reality that their loved one has been lost to a suspected murder.

While rumors of homicide have been confirmed, Reuters doesn't report that any specific criminal suspects have been identified. The band director is on required leave, band activities have been halted and even the university president has been suspended from duty partly due to this hazing incident but for other reasons, too.

We will follow this high-profile matter and post an update when there are further developments.

Source

Reuters: "Florida A&M drum major death ruled a homicide," Barbara Liston, Dec. 16, 2011