College football running back Micah Jo Barnett passes away moments after scoring touchdown
· Yahoo Sports
College football kicked off Week 0 of the season on Saturday. However, the day was overshadowed by an unprecedented tragedy during a Division II football matchup between Fort Lewis College and William Jewell College.
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William Jewell running back Micah Jo Barnett had just scored a touchdown for the Cardinals with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter. However, reports indicate that Barnett suffered a medical emergency shortly after the score. Medical personnel on hand attended to him for approximately 20 minutes.
Barnett was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The school released the following statement after the tragedy:
“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. 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. A vigil will be held tonight on the quad at 8 p.m. in honor of MicahJo and his family. Funeral arrangements will be shared when available.”
William Jewell College mourns the loss of Barnett
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the Hall of Champions at the NCAA National Office. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)It remains unclear what happened or what led to Barnett’s sudden passing. He was on the field as the Cardinals’ lead running back one moment and was gone the next.
Barnett recorded six carries for 30 yards and a touchdown before the medical emergency. The game was suspended and eventually canceled, with William Jewell leading 7-0.
Police in Liberty, Missouri, provided few details beyond confirming that medical personnel attended to Barnett for approximately 20 minutes before transporting him to a hospital. An investigation will likely follow, but answers may take time.
Barnett was only 20 years old. During his first two seasons he recorded 108 carries for 457 yards and six touchdowns in 13 career games.
The Big Lead sends its condolences to the Barnett family, William Jewell College, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.
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