The summerlike temperatures are forecast to continue through the weekend in the Central U.S., with more than 200 million Americans seeing above-average temps through Sunday.
IOWA CITY, Iowa – An Iowa community is mourning the loss of a college band student after he collapsed due to the heat during a football game last weekend, his family announced.
Derek Phillips experienced sudden cardiac arrest during the first football game of the season, and he passed away days later after suffering brain damage, according to the Phillips family.
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“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,” the Phillips family said.
“Derek brought so much light, humor and kindness into this 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,” the Phillips family said on social media.
The University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band announced Phillips’ death on Facebook, noting that losing Phillips is one of the most difficult tragedies the band has ever experienced.
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Phillips was the “marching band’s 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,” the group said on Facebook.
Derek Phillips
(University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band / FOX Weather)
The group said they are grateful for the heroic actions of their athletic trainer, police officers, university medical personnel, EMS and students who responded immediately and helped Phillips before he was taken to the hospital.
The FOX Forecast Center said temperatures were in the 90s that day, with heat indices around 105 degrees.
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The family is asking the community to share their favorite memories, photos or recordings of Phillips with them.
“Derek is comfortable, surrounded by family, and enveloped in the music he loved so much. Thank you for every prayer, every shared experience and every bit of love you’ve given to our boy,” his family said.
Derek Phillips
(University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band)
The marching band said they made counselors available to students, and encouraged people to reach out to those around them and ask for support if needed.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our students. Their well-being is always at the top of my mind. We are teaching them more than music and marching — and we are a family,” the marching band said on Facebook.
The Hawkeye Marching Band and School of Music said they will honor Phillips’ memory in several ways, including leaving the leader position of the H1 squad empty for the remainder of the season.
Officials said they will continue to provide support in the coming days, weeks and months to students who need it.
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“We understand that grief affects us in many different ways, and we are committed to supporting our students in whatever ways they need,” the marching band said.
