A William Jewell College football player died Saturday following a medical emergency that occurred on the sideline during the Cardinals' season-opening contest, according to TMZ.com. MicahJo Barnett, a junior running back, collapsed during the team's matchup with Fort Lewis College at the Liberty, Missouri campus.
Emergency medical personnel provided treatment on site before transporting Barnett to a local hospital, where medical staff declared him deceased. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The tragedy unfolded only minutes after Barnett had found the end zone on a short rushing attempt from the one-yard line during the opening period, putting William Jewell ahead 7-0. Officials halted play following the medical crisis and ultimately canceled the remainder of the contest.
Barnett, who majored in business administration, attended Liberty North High School before joining the Cardinals program. During the previous season, he participated in five games before an injury ended his campaign. He accumulated 366 rushing yards and reached the end zone four times during that span.
William Jewell College scheduled a vigil for Saturday evening to honor Barnett's memory. The institution has also provided access to counseling resources for both students and faculty members processing the loss.
The incident marks a devastating start to the Division II football season for the Cardinals program and the Liberty community, where Barnett had established roots both as a high school standout and collegiate athlete.
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