College football player dies following medical emergency during game
MicahJo Barnett, a junior, died Saturday, according to the school’s athletics department.
MicahJo Barnett, a football player at William Jewell College in Missouri, has died, according to a post from the school’s athletics website.
The post comes as the football team’s Saturday game was suspended after a medical emergency on the William Jewell sideline.
It did not say how Barnett died.
Barnett was a running back for the team and a junior business administration major.
Teammate Jayshawn Richmond, a defensive lineman at William Jewell, remembered Barnett as someone his teammates looked up to.
“He was a hometown kid. He’s from Liberty and stuff like that. Everybody looked up to him,” Richmond said. “He was a guy you go to whenever, you know what I’m saying? You just need a little bit more motivation.”
William Jewell College said students and staff are encouraged to connect with counseling services or the office of the chaplain if they need support.
A vigil was held Saturday on the quad at 8 p.m. in honor of Barnett and his family.
William Jewell College athletics released a statement saying in part, “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.”
Barnett was a Liberty, Missouri, native, according to his football bio.
Last season, he started five games before a season-ending injury. Barnett ran for a team-best 366 rushing yards on 71 carries with four touchdowns.
In high school, he led Liberty North to a state championship as a senior.
He earned All-Conference and All-State honors after putting up 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns.
