Micahjo Barnett, a William Jewell running back, collapsed on the sideline and died moments after he scored a touchdown on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Barnett passed away during the Missouri-based Division II school's season opener against Fort Lewis College on Saturday, August 29, police officials have confirmed. The paramedics attempted to revive him, but he succumbed to the medical emergency after collapsing. The Liberty police issued a statement that said, 'Emergency officials at the game attended to a player about 20 minutes after kickoff. The player was transported by ambulance to a hospital.'
'The player was pronounced dead at the hospital and was identified by the school as Barnett,' the statement added. As per multiple local media reports, Barnett reached the end zone on a 1-yard run with 5:15 minutes left in the first quarter. The play was stopped with 4:32 minutes left in the quarter after Fort Lewis booted the ball out of bounds. Barnett had rushed six times for 30 yards and a touchdown at the time play was halted, with the Cardinal leading 7-0.
Barnett, a native of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, was in his third season opener at William Jewell. Barnett, in his 13 career appearances during his first two seasons, racked up 457 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 108 attempts. While appearing in his senior season at Liberty North, Barnett totaled 1,450 rushing yards and posted 20 touchdowns, earning All-Missouri honors and a state championship title.