LIBERTY, Mo. — The William Jewell College and Liberty communities are mourning the loss of one of its football players who suffered a medical emergency during their season opener.
On August 29, William Jewell College was playing Fort Lewis College, when MicahJo Barnett experienced a medical emergency during the first quarter of the game.
The college later posted that Barnett passed away.
MicahJo Barnett was a running back for the team. Prior to playing at William Jewell he was an athlete at Liberty North, a few miles away from the college.
Barnett, who called Liberty his hometown, was a junior majoring in business administration, the Jewell Cardinals shared. According to a play-by-play from the school, he scored a touchdown prior to the medical emergency. That was the only touchdown of the game.
The game was later suspended.
WATCH | William Jewell College speaks to reporters after death of football player
Hundreds of community members showed up to a candlelight vigil, Saturday night, at the Jewell Quad on WJC's campus.
MicahJo's coach, Jason Ambroson, spoke at the vigil.
"As I mourn the loss of someone I think is an outstanding human being, I'm also blessed and thank the lord, I had the opportunity to have that person share my life," Ambroson said.
MicahJo's team, friends, teachers and coaching staff all attended the vigil.
"It’s all so special to see how young people at such a young age can reach so many hearts and so many lives," Ambroson said.
As they all filled the school's quad, it lit up with candles.
One of his teammates also shared how loved MicahJo is.
"To his family, to his mom, I thank you for creating such a beautiful human being and putting him on this earth and giving me the experience I had with MicahJo," the teammate said.
The college said it will have resources available for students and staff as the process this loss.
As this story developed, several organizations and departments shared statements on MicahJo's passing.
You can read the full statement from the school below.
"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." — Jewell Cardinals
In a statement from the Liberty Fire Department, we learned that a medical emergency did hospitalize a player.
You can read that full statement from Fire Chief Chris Young below.
"I can confirm that the Liberty Fire Department responded to William Jewell College today for a medical emergency involving a player on the field. Liberty Fire personnel provided care and transported the individual to a local hospital.
Due to patient privacy, no additional information regarding the individual’s condition, treatment, or circumstances will be released by the Liberty Fire Department at this time." — Fire Chief Chris Young
Fort Lewis College, the team that was facing off against William Jewell College, also shared a statement to social media on Barnett's passing.
Statement from Fort Lewis College Director of Athletics Shawn Jakubowski following the cancellation of today's football game vs. William Jewell College. pic.twitter.com/4YqOG83ofn
— FLC Football (@FLCFootball) August 29, 2026
ORIGINAL STORY
We're learning about an incident that has suspended a football game between William Jewell College and Fort Lewis College on Saturday.
According to a post made by Fort Lewis College Athletics, the game is being held off due to a "medical emergency on the William Jewell sideline."
Details are limited at this time. This is a developing story.
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