William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died on Saturday after suffering a medical emergency on the sideline during the Cardinals' Division II season opener against Fort Lewis College. The game, played on William Jewell's campus in Liberty, Missouri, was suspended and later canceled.
Barnett, a junior, reportedly experienced seizure-like symptoms during the first quarter. The emergency occurred at approximately 12.20pm local time, and paramedics from the Liberty Fire Department transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Game suspended and canceled after incident
The contest was halted with 4:32 left in the first quarter, following Barnett's medical episode. Officials subsequently canceled the remainder of the game. Barnett had rushed six times for 29 yards, including a one-yard touchdown run at the 5:15 mark of the first quarter, which stood as the game's lone score.
In a statement on its website, the school said: "William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri, community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett, junior business administration major and member of Jewell Cardinal Football team and former Liberty North Eagle. 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."
Vigil planned and player's career remembered
Officials planned a vigil Saturday night on the school's quad to honor Barnett and his family. Barnett, an academic all-conference honoree in 2025, was beginning his third season with the Cardinals. In the previous season, he rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns in five games before sustaining a season-ending injury. In 2024, he rushed for 91 yards and two scores in eight games.
The Liberty Fire Department responded to the emergency, and Barnett was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The school's statement expressed condolences to Barnett's family, students, the Cardinal Football family, and the wider community.
