A college football player died Saturday after experiencing a medical emergency during his team’s season opener.
William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, confirmed the death of running back MicahJo Barnett, announcing the news roughly two hours after he collapsed on the sideline in the first quarter of the Cardinals’ game against Fort Lewis.
Emergency crews with the Liberty Fire Department responded at about 12:20 p.m. and treated Barnett at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Barnett, who led the Division II program in rushing last season, had already made an impact in the game, scoring a touchdown before falling ill.
Video shared on social media appeared to show Barnett crossing the goal line for what would be his final touchdown, then celebrating with teammates. The medical emergency occurred with 4:32 remaining in the first quarter, with William Jewell leading 7-0.
According to Fox News KC, the 20-year-old suffered ‘seizure-like symptoms’ on the sidelines. The game was called off as William Jewell players were seen crying and consoling one another before his passing was confirmed.
William Jewell Cardinals announced MicahJo Barnett’s death after he collapsed
In a statement, the college said: “William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of Micah Jo Barnett, a junior business administration and member of Jewell Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle.
“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.”
‘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.’
Sharing the news alongside a black-and-white graphic of Barnett, the school said: ‘Forever a Cardinal’.
Their opponents, Fort Lewis, posted on Facebook when the game stopped: ‘Today’s football game at William Jewell is currently suspended following a medical emergency on the William Jewell sideline. We will provide updates as they become available.’
Barnett was a star running back for the Division 2 team and scored a touchdown in the game
Barnett, a business administration major, was entering his sophomore season for the Cardinals
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Their Director of Athletics, Shawn Jakubowski, later said: ‘Fort Lewis College Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the William Jewell College community following the tragic passing of a Cardinals football student-athlete, MicahJo Barnett.
‘Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at William Jewell during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Fort Lewis College counseling staff is reaching out to our football team to ensure our players and staff have the support they need.’
The 5ft8 junior, born in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, was one of seven siblings and the son of Michelle Barnett and Felix Lora, per his bio on the Cardinals website.
He attended Liberty North High School where he led the team to a state championship as a senior, earning All-Conference and All-State honors with 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns.
He appeared in eight games as a rookie at William Jewell then started five games as a sophomore, accumulating a team-best 366 rushing yards before suffering a season-ending injury.
He received 2025-26 Academic All-GLVC honors while majoring in business administration at the college.
Coach Terrance Dennis, who was Barnett’s running back coach before leaving for Cornell State this season, shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media.
His mom Michelle previously shared a throwback photo of him in a birthday post online
Barnett’s mom shared this throwback photo on his 19th birthday in September 2024
‘When I find the words, I’ll use them’ he wrote. ‘This has absolutely shattered me. I watched and cheered for your last play on the livestream today, doing what you LOVE, and fought so hard to come back to. The pleasure is forever mine, Uno.
‘To his family, to @JewellFootball, the city of Liberty…. I love you all. May God bring you the utmost peace and comfort.’
Barnett posted his gratitude on social media in February 2024 when he committed to William Jewell.
He wrote: ‘First I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play the sport I love at the next level. From family to coaches and friends thank you for being in my corner when times weren’t easy and having faith in me.
‘To my former teammates thank you guys for not only letting me lead you but for holding me to a standard that I now hold myself to. Thank you to my trainers Mr.Hanson and Mr. Snow for what you guys did for me during this long journey.
‘To William Jewell thank you for giving me a chance to be apart of something that’s going to be special. Lastly to my future teammates, let’s make this place special.’
