By now most people throughout the country have heard about the tragic death of a member of the Florida A&M marching band this past November. The cause of the young man’s death was reportedly hazing.
An autopsy ruled his death as a homicide and indicated it was the result of blunt trauma and shock from severe bleeding. The hazing attack reportedly took place on a bus that had been hired to transport the band. The parents of the deceased claim band members were allowed to get back on the bus to conduct the hazing of others.
Earlier this week the parents of the 26-year-old student announced that they are planning on suing Fabulous Coach Lines, the company that owns that bus. According to the couple’s attorney, employees of the company either knew or should have known that the activity was taking place. As a result, it has some liability for the band member’s death.
At the time of the incident, the driver of the bus was aiding other members of the band in unloading their instruments. According to the owner of the bus company, as soon as the company employees were made aware of the band member’s collapse, they did what they could to get help.
As of yet charges have not been filed in the case and the drummer’s death is currently under investigation by both agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as well as Orange County detectives.
The man’s parents will likely also file a lawsuit against Florida A&M University once they are able to under state law.
Source: USA Today, “Family to sue owner of bus where FAMU student died,” The Associated Press, Jan. 10, 2012