A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family of MicahJo Barnett, a 20-year-old college football player who died Saturday after collapsing on the sideline. Barnett was a running back for the Division II team William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.
He collapsed around 12:20 p.m. on Saturday shortly after scoring a touchdown against Fort Lewis in the season opener. Paramedics from the Liberty Fire Department provided aid and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The game was suspended with 4:32 left in the first quarter.
The GoFundMe page, created by an individual identifying as a former youth coach and family friend, had raised over $17,000 by Sunday afternoon. The page states Barnett was a "talented and kind young man who was loved by so many" and that his life was "taken far too soon."
Barnett, a junior studying business administration, was also a former player for Liberty North High School. William Jewell College confirmed his passing in a statement, expressing condolences to his family, students, and the football program. The school announced a vigil would be held on the campus quad.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Micah Jo's family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss," the statement read. The school also noted that counseling services and the office of the chaplain were available to support students and staff.
Footage shared on social media reportedly shows Barnett scoring his final touchdown and celebrating with teammates before the incident occurred. According to local reports, he suffered "seizure-like symptoms" on the sideline. A cause of death has not yet been officially released.
Barnett's mother, Michelle, had previously shared throwback photos of him on social media, including one for his 19th birthday in September 2024.
The college's statement concluded by affirming Barnett would be "Forever a Cardinal."