Iowa Band member collapsed in the heat at Hawkeyes football game, taken off life support

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - The family of a University of Iowa student and marching band member has shared that their son has been taken off life support after he collapsed in the heat during Saturday's Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. Derek Phillips 'collapsed in the heat' and suffered a 'sudden cardiac arrest' according to a post on his Instagram account from his family. '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 post reads. However, the University of Iowa did not mention any incidents or health issues when it suddenly cancelled halftime performances, stating 'the health and safety of our students, staff, and fans are our top priority.' The game-time temperature on Saturday of 90-degrees was the fourth-hottest game in Iowa history, with heat indexes making it feel like well above 100-degrees. The marching band and spirit teams still performed their normal pregame ceremonies but in shorts and T-shirts. The band announced days before the game that it would perform in their alternate uniforms instead of the traditional wool uniforms because of the heat. TV9 reached out to the University of Iowa for confirmation of Phillips' health status and the reason for the halftime performance cancellation. The university has not yet confirmed these details, but did provide a statement. The statement reads as follows: 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. The university is in close contact and is offering support. Both the HMB and School of Music have counselors on-site for students this week. HMB director Eric Bush has shared resources with the band community and is encouraging anyone who needs support to seek assistance. Before the game, the University of Iowa issued alerts allowing fans to bring in water bottles and wear light colors to beat the heat and also altered times for other athletic events. According to his family's Instagram post, Derek brought 'so much light, humor and kindness into this world.' He toured in drum and bugle corps this summer and was a 'phenomenal musician.' The university also shared resources for those seeking support: • University Counseling Service: 319-335-7294 • Student Care and Assistance: 319-335-1162 • Employee Assistance Program: 319-335-2085 • 24-hour Crisis and Support Line: 844-461-5420 or 988