American college football player MicahJo Barnett has reportedly died after suffering a medical emergency during a game in Liberty, Missouri.
Barnett, a Division II running back for William Jewell College, collapsed during the team’s season opener shortly after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter. Emergency responders provided immediate treatment before he was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The tragic incident occurred during a matchup against Fort Lewis College and led to the game being stopped and eventually canceled. Barnett had just given his team an early lead with a 1-yard touchdown run before the medical emergency unfolded.
He was a junior majoring in business administration and had previously played at Liberty North High School. During the previous season, he recorded 366 rushing yards and four touchdowns across five games before an injury ended his campaign early.
The university has announced plans for a vigil in his honor and is offering counseling services to students, teammates, and staff. Officials have not yet released his cause of death.