William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died Saturday after a sudden medical emergency during the team's season opener. Barnett, a junior at the Liberty, Mo., school, collapsed on the field in the first quarter of the game. Paramedics attended to Barnett, who had scored a touchdown earlier in the game. He was pronounced dead after first responders transported him to a local hospital. The exact cause of his medical emergency was not immediately released.
The game between William Jewell College and Fort Lewis College was suspended following the incident. Fort Lewis College also released a statement mourning Barnett's death.
William Jewell College stated that it, along with the Liberty community, mourns the passing of Barnett, who was a junior studying business administration and a member of the Cardinal football program. The college offered support services for students and staff. A vigil was planned on campus in Barnett's honor.
Barnett, a native of Liberty, had a notable high school career at Liberty North, where he contributed to a state-title team his senior year with 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns. Last season, he started five games for William Jewell and led the team in rushing yards before his season was cut short by an injury.