William Jewell College announced the death of football player MicahJo Barnett on Saturday. Barnett, a 20-year-old junior studying business administration, experienced a medical emergency on the sideline during the college's football game that day. The school has not disclosed the cause of his death.
"We are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic passing of MicahJo Barnett," Ryan Erlacher, William Jewell Vice President for Athletics, said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all that love him."
Erlacher described Barnett as "an exceptional young man who made a tremendous impact on the Jewell and Liberty communities." The college's statement noted that funeral arrangements would be shared when they become available. A vigil honoring Barnett was held Saturday night on the William Jewell College quad.
Barnett's teammate Jayshawn Richmond told KMBC-TV that Barnett scored a touchdown shortly before the incident. "He scored like, right before his final moments. And we just going to continue on where he started," Richmond said.
The college encouraged students and staff needing support to contact its counseling services or office of the chaplain. The William Jewell Cardinals are part of NCAA Division II football.