LIBERTY, Mo. — A hometown running back at William Jewell College died Saturday after collapsing on the sideline moments after scoring a touchdown in the Cardinals’ season opener, the school announced.
MicahJo Barnett, a junior from Liberty, suffered a medical emergency during the first quarter of Saturday’s Division II game against Fort Lewis College at Greene Stadium. Paramedics treated him on the sideline before taking him by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The game was suspended and later canceled.
Barnett had just given William Jewell a 7-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:15 left in the first quarter. He finished with six carries for about 30 yards before play was halted. Local reports said he showed seizure-like symptoms on the sideline. Officials have not released a cause of death.
“William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett,” the school said. “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 college said it was not aware of any pre-existing condition that should have kept Barnett from playing.
Barnett, listed at 5-foot-8, was a business administration major and a 2024 graduate of Liberty North High School, where he helped lead the Eagles to a Missouri state championship as a senior. That year he recorded 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns and earned all-state honors. At William Jewell he led the team in rushing last season with 366 yards and four touchdowns before a season-ending injury.
Hundreds gathered Saturday night on the campus quad for a candlelight vigil. Liberty Public Schools and Liberty North High School issued statements calling Barnett a valued member of the community whose impact would not be forgotten. Fort Lewis College also offered condolences. Counseling and chaplain services were made available to students and staff.
William Jewell’s next scheduled game is Sept. 12 at Kentucky Wesleyan. The college described Barnett as “Forever a Cardinal.”
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