(Iowa City, IA) — A University of Iowa student and Hawkeye Marching Band member was has passed away after collapsing in the heat Saturday.
University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band officials said “Derek Phillips was our mellophone section leader, a beloved member of the School of Music horn studio, and the kind of friend, student, and musician that represents the very best of what it means to be a Hawkeye.”
Derek Phillips suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in temperatures that reached the mid-90s with a heat index of 102. Phillips was taken to University of Iowa Health Care, where his family says doctors determined he had suffered severe brain damage as a result of the cardiac arrest. The family said they made the decision to remove him from life support. He passed away this morning.
Because of the extreme heat on Saturday, the Hawkeye Marching Band canceled its halftime performance.
University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band officials said this Saturday, and for the rest of the season, the Hawkeye Marching Band and School of Music will honor Derek’s memory, and they will communicate those details as they take shape.
