MicahJo Barnett, a junior running back at William Jewell College in Missouri, died on Saturday moments after scoring a touchdown in the inaugural game of the season.
Shortly after plowing through a defender for a four-yard rushing touchdown, Barnett suffered a medical emergency on the sidelines, according to the Associated Press.
The incident occurred roughly 20 minutes after kickoff.
"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 school said in a message on its website.
Following his impressive touchdown run, nothing seemed unusual as Barnett leaped in the air and celebrated with his teammates.
However, the game was suspended moments later after the Jewell Cardinals standout suffered "seizure-like symptoms."
"Heartbreaking scene at William Jewell," Fox4 Kansas City's
Barnett was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Kansas City Star. When he wasn't racking up yards on the gridiron, the student-athlete studied business administration at William Jewell.
William Jewell Honors MicahJo Barnett
William Jewell College interim president Dr. Dave Van Horn announced that the school will honor the late football star with a candlelight service.
"I want to say that we appreciate the response that we received from the sheriff's office, the police department, the EMS department and the physician for the team. Everybody responded so quickly, so well," William Jewell College interim president Dr. Dave Van Horn said.
"This evening, at 8 o'clock, there will be a candlelight service that is held on the quad of our campus in memory of MicahJo," Van Horn added. "Our hearts are heavy. We just appreciate all the support that we have received from the greater community."
Barnett, 20, was a Liberty, Missouri native. During his time at Liberty North High School, Barnett helped the Eagles capture the school's first state championship in December 2023.
"Liberty North is deeply saddened by the passing of MicahJo Barnett, a 2024 Eagle grad,"
