MicahJo Barnett’s coaches and teammates are speaking out after the 20-year-old running back died following a medical emergency during a college football game last Saturday.
Barnett, a junior business major at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, had just scored a touchdown against Fort Lewis College when he collapsed on the field. The game was suspended and he was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Liberty North head football coach Andy Lierman, who coached Barnett in high school, offered a personal tribute to the player he remembered.
“I think if you asked anyone that went to school with him here at Liberty North, they would tell you what a great person he is,” Lierman said.
Barnett’s sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the William Jewell football community, with several teammates publicly honoring the running back they called a selfless leader.
Wide receiver Kaleb Mays emphasized Barnett’s humble character in remarks shared after the tragedy.
“He never acted like he was better than anybody. And we should do the same and play for him like he plays for us,” Mays said.
Sophomore defensive lineman Jayshawn Richmond connected Barnett’s final moments on the field to the team’s path forward.
“As you can see, he scored right before his final moments, and we are just going to continue on what you started,” Richmond said. “I’m just going to finish this out and that’s all we can do.”
Tatum Bethany, a sophomore wide receiver, framed the team’s motivation in similarly personal terms.
“It’s an honour to play for him, you know. He’s always going to be with us regardless. So, we know he would want us to keep moving and keep pushing and play as hard as he would every day,” Bethany said.
William Jewell College Interim President Dr. Drew Van Horn thanked first responders and medical personnel who attempted to save Barnett’s life, including the sheriff’s office, police department, EMS team and the team physician who “responded so quickly” to the emergency.
“Our hearts are heavy and we just appreciate all the support that we have received from the greater community,” Van Horn added.
The Liberty Fire Department confirmed units responded to an incident at approximately 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The individual could not be saved and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Fort Lewis College Director of Athletics Shawn Jakubowsk extended condolences from the opposing side, noting that Fort Lewis counseling staff was reaching out to support their own football team in the aftermath.
“Fort Lewis College Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the William Jewell College community following the tragic passing of a Cardinals football student-athlete, MicahJo Barnett,” Jakubowsk said in a statement released Saturday. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at William Jewell during this incredibly difficult time.”
William Jewell College posted its own statement on its website mourning the loss of Barnett, a former Liberty North Eagle, and extending thoughts and prayers to his family, students, the Cardinal Football family and the broader community.
A GoFundMe page established by one of Barnett’s former coaches had raised nearly $34,000 for his family at the time of reporting.