William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, is mourning the loss of one of its students after a medical emergency on the sidelines of the team's season-opening game.
MicahJo Barnett, a junior running back, was pronounced dead following the incident during the game against Fort Lewis College at William Jewell College's Greene Stadium. The game was suspended, and a vigil in memory of Barnett is scheduled for Saturday evening.
The school's athletic department posted on social media, expressing its condolences to Barnett's family, teammates, friends, and coaches. "William Jewell & the Liberty community mourn the passing of junior MicahJo Barnett," the post read. "Our thoughts & prayers are with MicahJo's family, teammates, friends, & coaches. A vigil will be held tonight on the Jewell quad at 8 p.m. in honor of MicahJo & family."
Interim President Dr. Drew Van Horn thanked the first responders for their efforts to save Barnett, who was pursuing a business major at the college. "We appreciate the response from the sheriff's office, the police department, EMS team, physician for the team, everybody responded so quickly, so well," Dr. Van Horn said in a statement.
Barnett had scored a touchdown earlier in the game before his death. He had appeared in eight games in his freshman year but was limited to five games in 2025 due to a season-ending injury.
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