A University of Iowa student and marching band member from Peosta, died Tuesday morning after collapsing Saturday at the Hawkeyes football game. The student, Derek Phillips, was a former member of the Western Dubuque marching band and graduated from the school in 2024. The family of Phillips shared Tuesday that their son has been taken off life support after he collapsed during Saturday’s game at Kinnick Stadium. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, he suffered heat stroke during the game. A post on his Instagram account from his family stated that Derek collapsed in the heat and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The University of Iowa did not mention any incidents or health issues when it suddenly cancelled haltime performances, stating “the health and safety of our students, staff, and fans are our top priority.” 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.
