Our singing group, Intersection A Cappella, along with the Hawkeye Marching Band and the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps community, is utterly devastated by the loss of our brother and friend, Derek Phillips.

This past Saturday, Derek suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was taken to the ICU at the University of Iowa Health Care. Despite the tireless efforts of his care team, Derek passed away surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Derek was a bright light, an extraordinary talent, and a dedicated leader. As a student studying Business Analytics and Information Systems in the UI Tippie College of Business and member of the horn studio in the School of Music, he brought passion, intelligence, and joy to everything he pursued. He served on the executive team for Intersection A Cappella, led with pride as the Mellophone Section Leader for the HMB, marched with the Colts this past summer, and poured his whole heart into his music and the people around him. To know Derek was to feel his warmth, his humor, and his fierce loyalty.

We organized this fundraiser with the blessing of Derek’s family because we want to wrap our arms around them and bring comfort the way Derek’s smile brought comfort to all of us.

All contributions will go directly to Derek’s parents, Sara and Brian, to be used however they see fit—whether to provide long-term stability and education support for his two younger brothers, establish a future memorial or scholarship fund in Derek’s name, or simply give their family the quiet breathing room they need to grieve without financial worry.

If you are moved to contribute, any gift is a meaningful comfort to his loved ones. If you are unable to donate, keeping Derek’s family in your thoughts and sharing your favorite memories or music of him means the world to all of us.

More than anything else, please continue to honor Derek by living your life to the fullest, following your passions and dreams, and offering a smile and kindness to friends and strangers alike.

Do It For Derek. #DIFD