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Florida A&M hazing probe widens, as one band member is buried

The funeral was held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Orlando, Fla. for Robert Champion, a Florida A&M band member whose death authorities have linked to hazing WKMG

(CBS/AP) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As one Florida A&M University band member was being laid to rest, authorities said they are investigating another possible case of hazing connected to the group.

The Tallahassee Police Department has opened a probe into the alleged battery of 18-year-old Bria Shante Hunter.

Hunter's parents told Atlanta's WXIA-TV on Tuesday that the freshman clarinet player suffered a fractured thigh bone and damaged knee. They say when she returned to Georgia she couldn't bend her legs.

Officer David Northrop confirmed they are investigating whether the injuries came from hazing.

A police report states the alleged battery started Sept. 15 and continued through Nov. 7, twelve days before drum major Robert Champion, 26, collapsed outside an Orlando hotel and died, a death investigators have linked to hazing.

According to CBS affiliate WKMG, the pews of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur were packed Wednesday with hundreds of friends and family of Champion.

His drum major uniform was on display next to his open casket, and a long line of mourners formed to pay their last respects.

Police say Champion, a clarinet player who recently was named drum major, had been vomiting and complained he couldn't breathe shortly before he collapsed.

Champion's family attorney says a "culture of hazing" led to his death, but he and Champion's relatives wouldn't discuss details.

More on Crimesider
Nov. 28, 2011 - Attorney: 'Culture of hazing' at Florida A&M University led to band member's deathNov. 25, 2011 - Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion dies after suspected hazing incident, family to sue



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