Division II football player MicahJo Barnett has died following a tragic mid-game medical emergency.
The William Jewell College running back reportedly collapsed with seizure-like symptoms on the sidelines during his team’s season opener against Fort Lewis College. The game took place at William Jewell’s home field, Greene Stadium in Liberty, Mo.
According to a Reuters report, the emergency occurred shortly after noon local time. Liberty Fire Department paramedics brought Barnett to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Just minutes before Barnett was rushed to the hospital, he was mowing down defenders for a first-quarter touchdown.
Tragic, tragic day at William Jewell, remembering MicahJo Barnett. So much happiness scoring this Touchdown in the 1st quarter. Life is precious. pic.twitter.com/ODhDIVzlYs
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) August 29, 2026
The game was suspended and subsequently cancelled. The school released a statement following the tragic news.
“William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of Micah Jo Barnett, a junior business administration and member of Jewell Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle,” the statement read.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Micah Jo’s family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss.”
Barnett, a Shawnee Mission native, was in his third year at William Jewell. He rushed for 457 yards and 6 touchdowns over his first two seasons as a member of the Cardinals.
