The family of University of Iowa student and Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips said he was taken off life support after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest following Saturday’s Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium.
Phillips collapsed in the heat during the game as temperatures reached 90 degrees and conditions were described as well above 100 degrees. The update came through his Instagram account, where the family said he had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and that the decision was made after an ICU team at the University of Iowa Hospital determined the damage to his brain was too severe.
Heat concerns were already part of the game-day planning
The collapse came after the University of Iowa had already taken precautions because of the weather. Days before Saturday’s game, the band said it would perform in alternate uniforms because of the heat. Before the game, the university also issued alerts allowing fans to bring water bottles and wear light colors, and it adjusted times for other athletic events.
During the game, the University of Iowa suddenly cancelled halftime performances. The school said the health and safety of its students, staff and fans were its top priority.
A difficult update for the Iowa community
In the family’s statement, they remembered Phillips as someone who brought “so much light, humor and kindness into this world” and described him as a “phenomenal musician.” The update has added a painful note to an already alarming heat emergency around the game.
Support resources were also shared for the Iowa community, including the University Counseling Service, Student Care and Assistance, the Employee Assistance Program, and the 24-hour Crisis and Support Line at 844-461-5420. The Crisis and Support Line can also be reached at 988, 319-335-7294, 319-335-1162 and 319-335-2085.
