University of Iowa Band Member Taken Off Life Support

Derek Phillips, a member of the marching band at the University of Iowa, was taken off life support following a collapse during the Hawkeyes’ football game against Northern Illinois on Saturday, as shared by his family on social media.

According to the family’s statement, “Derek collapsed in the heat on Saturday and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the extraordinary efforts of the ICU team at the University of Iowa Hospital, the damage to his brain was too severe and we have made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support.”

Prior to the game, the University of Iowa had already announced that the Hawkeye Marching Band and the Iowa Spirit Squads would not perform during halftime because of the heat.

The heat index in Iowa City exceeded 100 degrees on that day. At kickoff, the temperature was around 90 degrees, which led Iowa to alter the start times for various athletic events due to the anticipated high temperatures.

UI Public Relations Manager Chris Brewer commented, “The entire Hawkeye Marching Band family is thinking of Derek Phillips and his loved ones. We are grateful to his parents for providing regular updates to the students who love Derek. This is heartbreaking for everyone who cares for him.”

Moreover, the university is staying in close contact with Phillips’ family and is providing support. Counselors from both the Hawkeye Marching Band and the School of Music are available to students this week. Eric Bush, the band director, has shared support resources and is encouraging students to seek help if they need it.

Derek, in his third year of studies from Dubuque, Iowa, played the horn in the band and was majoring in business analytics and information systems.

His family mentioned that he “had the absolute summer of his life touring in drum and bugle corps.”

“Derek brought so much light, humor, and kindness into the world. He was a phenomenal musician—whether he was playing jazz, singing his heart out, or marching under the lights, music was the language of his soul,” they added in their tribute.

The family encouraged those who knew Derek to share their favorite memories and photos, using the hashtag “Do It For Derek.”