William Jewell College junior running back Micah Jo Barnett died after experiencing a medical emergency on the sideline shortly after scoring a touchdown during the school's season opener against Fort Lewis College on Saturday. Emergency officials attended to Barnett about 20 minutes after kickoff, and he was transported by ambulance to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The college confirmed his identity and released a statement mourning his loss, featuring his photo and the words 'Forever a Cardinal' with the years 2005-2026.

Barnett scored on a 1-yard run with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter before the game was stopped. He had six carries for 30 yards and a touchdown at the time of the incident. Barnett was from Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and was entering his third season at William Jewell.

In his first two seasons, he recorded 108 carries for 457 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. During his senior year at Liberty North High School, he accumulated 1,450 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns, earning All-Missouri state honors and contributing to a state championship team. The school has scheduled a vigil for Barnett and his family and encouraged students and staff to use counseling and chaplain services.