William Jewell community mourns loss of football player

LIBERTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- William Jewell College and the Liberty community are mourning the loss of one of their own following the college's home football opener Saturday.

According to previous reports, Junior RB MicahJo Barnett suffered seizure-like symptoms on Jewell's sideline during the first quarter of the opener against Fort Lewis College.

The game was later called.

The college put out a statement around 3 p.m. Saturday that it, along with the Liberty, Missouri community, is mourning the passing of Barnett.

William Jewell said a vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday on its quad to honor Barnett and his family.

Barnett is a Liberty native and a graduate of Liberty North High School. He attended Jewell to play football and study Business Administration.

In his sophomore season, Barnett started five games before a season-ending injury. He accumulated a team-best 366 rushing yards on 71 carries with four scores.

Barnett picked up a season-high 150 yards on 10 carries and three scores in a 2025 win over Kentucky Wesleyan.