A Division II college football player died on the field during a game on Saturday.
William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after a sudden medical emergency during the team’s season opener, the school announced.
Paramedics attended to Barnett, a junior at the Liberty, Mo., school, after he collapsed on the field in the first quarter.
Barnett, who scored a touchdown earlier in Saturday’s game, was later pronounced dead after first responders took him to a local hospital.
The exact cause of Barnett’s medical emergency was not released.
The game was suspended following the tragic scene.
“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 school’s 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.
“Students and staff are encouraged to connect with Counseling Services and/or the office of the Chaplain who are ready to provide support to those who need it.”
The college also said a vigil will be held in Barnett’s honor on campus at 8 p.m. local time.
Fort Lewis College, the team playing William Jewell on Saturday, also released a statement mourning Barnett’s death.
Barnett was native of Liberty and had a standout high school career at Liberty North, where he helped lead a state-title team his senior year by putting up 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns.
He started five games for William Jewell last season and led the team in rushing yards before his season was cut short with an injury.
