University of Iowa Marching Band Member Taken Off Life Support After Cardiac Arrest

University of Iowa student and Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips was taken off life support Monday after suffering cardiac arrest during the September 5th, 2026 football game against Northern Illinois.

Phillips, a third-year University of Iowa student, collapsed shortly before the Hawkeye Marching Band was scheduled to perform its halftime show at Kinnick Stadium. At the time of the performance, temperatures had reached a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit in Iowa City.

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Phillips suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was transported for medical care and admitted to the intensive care unit at UI Health Care. According to an update shared by his family on Phillips’ Instagram account, medical professionals identified severe brain damage resulting from the cardiac arrest. Phillips’ family later made the decision to remove him from life support. The family reported that he was comfortable and surrounded by family.

The family’s update also described Phillips’ involvement in music. He spent the summer touring with a drum and bugle corps and was an avid listener and player of jazz, choir and marching band. Many classmates and friends have also poured out their sympathies and stories of Derek to the family on that post.

The University of Iowa said it is providing support to members of the Hawkeye Marching Band and others affected by the loss of Derek Phillips. According to a report in the Daily Iowan, University Public Relations Manager Chris Brewer said the Hawkeye Marching Band and School of Music have counselors available to students this week. The university has also directed students to several support resources, including University Counseling Services, Student Care and Assistance, the Employee Assistance Program, and the university’s 24-hour Crisis and Support Line.