College football player MicahJo Barnett dies after medical emergency during season opener

William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency during the team’s season opener at Greene Stadium in Liberty, Mo., the school announced.

“Our hearts are heavy, and we appreciate all of the support that we have received from the greater community,” said William Jewell interim president Dr. Dave Van Horn Saturday afternoon.

Jewell President Dr. Dave Van Horn on the passing of MicahJo Barnett. pic.twitter.com/IwnNBAnkf6

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Liberty Fire/EMS paramedics were on standby, as is standard practice for every William Jewell home game, when they were called over to the Cardinal sideline to treat Barnett at 12:20 p.m., according to Liberty Police Capt. Nathan Mulch. The paramedics attended to Barnett for several minutes before taking him via ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

“I want to say that we appreciate the response that we’ve received from the sheriff’s office, the police department, the EMS department, our school, the physician for the team … everybody responded so quickly, so well,” said Van Horn.

Barnett, a junior, had scored a touchdown earlier in the game.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo’s family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss,” the university said in a statement.

The Division II program’s home game against Fort Lewis College was suspended in the first quarter after Barnett left in an ambulance and subsequently canceled.

William Jewell plans to host a vigil on the campus quad Saturday at 8 p.m. local time.

Barnett was a native of Liberty, where Jewell’s campus is located. As a high school senior, he helped lead Liberty North to a state title.

A 5-foot-8, 195-pounder, Barnett led William Jewell in rushing last season despite playing only five games before suffering a season-ending injury and missing the remainder of the year. He played in 13 games in his two seasons for the Cardinals, rushing for 457 yards and six touchdowns.