A William Jewell College football player has died after suffering a medical emergency during the Cardinals’ season opener Saturday in Liberty.
Junior running back MicahJo Barnett was taken to a hospital after emergency crews responded to a player on the sideline about 20 minutes into the game against Fort Lewis College. Liberty police say Barnett was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The college identified Barnett as the player and announced his death Saturday.
Barnett had just helped William Jewell take the lead when the emergency happened. According to the game statistics, he scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 5:15 left in the first quarter. He had six carries for 30 yards and the touchdown. Play was stopped with 4:32 remaining in the quarter. William Jewell was leading 7-0 when the game was suspended.
William Jewell College is located in Liberty, Missouri.