A college football player has died after suffering a medical emergency during the first game of the new season.
William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri announced the heartbreaking passing of running back MicahJo Barnett, just two hours after he collapsed on the sideline during the first quarter of their game against Fort Lewis.
Paramedics from the Liberty Fire Department rushed to his aid at around 12:20pm on Saturday and rushed him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Barnett, the leading rusher for the Division 2 team last season, had already scored a touchdown in the game before he was taken ill.
Footage shared on social media showed him running in his final score and celebrating with teammates before tragedy struck with 4:32 left in the first quarter and the score still 7-0 to the Cardinals.
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
A statement from the school read: ‘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
His mom Michelle previously shared a throwback photo of him in a birthday post online
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.
