University of Iowa marching band member taken off life support after collapsing in searing heat at football game

The heartbroken family of a University of Iowa student have revealed that he has been taken off life support after suffering heat stroke and a sudden cardiac arrest at the Hawkeyes' opening football game on Saturday.

Derek Phillips was a business analytics student and member of the Hawkeye Marching Band that was performing in front of thousands of fans at Kinnick Stadium when tragedy struck.

Phillips collapsed during the game amid searing temperatures that reached 91 degrees, with a heat index of 102, and his family have now released a devastating update on his condition.

'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,' a statement posted to his Instagram read.

'Derek is comfortable, surrounded by family, and enveloped in the music he loved so much.'

In a statement, the University of Iowa said: '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.'

The stadium was sold out for the Hawkeyes' Week 1 game against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday, with 69,250 tickets sold for the eventual 40-0 blowout win.

The university deployed several 'beat the heat' measures, distributing 4,000 water bottles to attendees and expanding first-aid resources.

During the first half, which is reportedly when Phillips collapsed, a statement was posted on social media announcing the cancellation of the marching band's halftime performance.

It read: 'The health and safety of our students, staff, and fans are our top priority. Due to the heat, the Hawkeye Marching Band will forego their halftime performance, and the Iowa Spirit Squads will step aside for a much-deserved break from the heat.'

Phillips had just returned to Iowa for a third year after what his family described as the 'absolute summer of his life touring in drum and bugle corps'.

The statement continued: 'Thank you for every prayer, every shared experience, and every bit of love you've given to our boy.'