William Jewell College says football player MicahJo Barnett had no known health issues before collapse
Interim president Drew Van Horn said the 20-year-old running back had no documented medical conditions, and an autopsy will determine the cause of death after he collapsed during a game.
William Jewell College interim president Drew Van Horn told ESPN that running back MicahJo Barnett, who collapsed after scoring a touchdown in the season-opening game against Fort Lewis College, had no known underlying health conditions. The college requires all athletes to undergo physical examinations, and Van Horn said he was unaware of any medical issues for Barnett.
Team doctors and emergency personnel on site responded immediately and attempted resuscitation before Barnett was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Liberty, Mo., police Captain Nathan Mulch said a medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Van Horn said the college will consider further investigation after the autopsy results are released. Barnett's family has requested privacy. The junior, a 20-year-old native of Liberty, had played 13 games over two seasons, recording 366 rushing yards and six touchdowns. A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday in Kansas City, the day that would have been his 21st birthday.