William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency during the first quarter of his 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,” William Jewell interim president Dr. Drew Van Horn said Saturday afternoon.

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.

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

“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,” Van Horn said.

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.

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

Fort Lewis College expressed its condolences Saturday in a statement from athletic director Shawn Jakubowski. “Our hearts are with (Barnett’s) family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at William Jewell during this incredibly difficult time,” Jakubowski said.

Statement from Fort Lewis College Director of Athletics Shawn Jakubowski following the cancellation of today’s football game vs. William Jewell College. pic.twitter.com/4YqOG83ofn

— FLC Football (@FLCFootball) August 29, 2026

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. A business administration major, Barnett was a 2025-26 Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honoree.

Barnett was born in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and had six siblings. He played his high school ball in Liberty, where Jewell’s campus is located. As a high school senior, he helped lead Liberty North to a state title.