College football player MicahJo Barnett dies after medical emergency on field

(LIBERTY, Mo.) — William Jewell College football player MicahJo Barnett has died, the school announced Saturday. He was 20.

Barnett, a junior studying business administration, was a member of the William Jewell Cardinals football program and previously played football at Liberty North High School, according to the college’s website.

The school announced Barnett’s death after William Jewell’s football game Saturday was suspended following a medical emergency on the team’s sideline, according to ABC affiliate station KMBC-TV. The school did not disclose Barnett’s cause of death.

“We are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic passing of MicahJo Barnett,” William Jewell Vice President for Athletics Ryan Erlacher said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all that love him.”

Erlacher remembered Barnett as “an exceptional young man who made a tremendous impact on the Jewell and Liberty communities.”

“He will be greatly missed by all,” Erlacher continued. “Please keep his family in your prayers and we kindly ask for everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

Barnett’s teammate Jayshawn Richmond reflected on his final moments in an interview with KMBC-TV.

“He scored like, right before his final moments. And we just going to continue on where he started,” Richmond said.

William Jewell College said the school and Liberty, Missouri, community were mourning Barnett’s death.

“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,” the college said.

The school encouraged students and staff who need support to contact its counseling services or office of the chaplain.

A vigil honoring Barnett and his family was held Saturday night on the William Jewell College quad, according to the school. The college said funeral arrangements would be shared when they become available.