PRAYERS: A Missouri college community and loved ones of football player MicahJo Barnett are in mourning following the student-athlete dying moments after suffering a medical emergency during a game.
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On Saturday (August 29), the 20-year-old Division II running back was on the field during William Jewell College’s season opener against Fort Lewis College.
According to police in Liberty, Missouri, emergency officials at the game were called to assist Barnett about 20 minutes after kickoff. Ultimately, emergency officials transported the player by ambulance to an area hospital. Officials later pronounced him dead.
Additional details are scarce. However, the college where he played ball released a statement online. The headline read, “Jewell Mourns Loss of Football Student-Athlete MicahJo Barnett.”
The statement read:
“William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett, a junior business administration and member of Jewell Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle. Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo’s family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss. Students and staff are encouraged to connect with Counseling Services and/or the office of the Chaplain who are ready to provide support to those who need it. A vigil will be held tonight on the quad at 8 p.m. in honor of MicahJo and his family. Funeral arrangements will be shared when available.”
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Online game statistics show Barnett scored on a 1-yard run with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter. According to ESPN, officials stopped the game with 4:32 left in the quarter. It was also after Fort Lewis College punted the ball out of bounds. At the time of the suspension, Barnett had 6 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown. The William Jewell Cardinals had a 7-0 lead.
Barnett was from Shawnee Mission, Kansas and grew up with six siblings. He led Liberty North High School — in the same community as William Jewell College — to a state title during his senior year. Barnett was opening his third season at William Jewell. In this first two season, he racked up 108 carries for 457 yards and 6 touchdowns in 13 career games.
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