Services Planned for William Jewell Student MicahJo Barnett
MicahJo Barnett would have celebrated his 21st birthday this Saturday, Sept. 5. Instead, his life will be celebrated at a memorial service.
Barnett, a football player at William Jewell College, died after suffering a medical emergency in the team’s home game against Lewis College on Saturday.
“Forever a Cardinal,” the athletic department posted on social media. “William Jewell and the Liberty community mourn the passing of junior MicahJo Barnett. Our thoughts prayers are with MicahJo’s family, teammates, friends and coaches.”
Barnett, a Liberty North High School graduate, was a junior business administration major. As a freshman in 2024, he rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. In 2025, he led the Cardinals in rushing with 366 yards and four touchdowns despite a season-ending injury, according to CBS Sports. His best game came against Kentucky Wesleyan, where he rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns. He also was named to the Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference team.
Barnett’s teammates and coaches described him as a great person and a beloved member of the community. His loss has been felt across the football program and the broader Liberty area.
“That was our brother,” defensive lineman Jayshawn Richmond told KCTV. “He was just a beautiful soul on and off the field.”
Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil on the William Jewell campus Saturday night. Teammate Cameron Emmons told those gathered that Barnett “was truly the best of us all,” according to KCUR.
Liberty North football coach Andy Lierman said Barnett continued returning to the high school to speak with younger players after beginning college.
“He was just always the example,” Lierman told KCTV. “His legacy will live on.”
The medical emergency occurred during the first quarter of Saturday’s game at Greene Stadium. Barnett had just scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run when he collapsed on the sideline. Reports from Liberty Fire EMS indicated he exhibited seizure-like symptoms, the Associated Press reported. Paramedics attempted to revive him before transporting him by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead The game was suspended and later canceled. The NCAA confirmed the medical emergency happened on the Jewell sideline.
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 5. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. at Memorial Hall, 600 N. Seventh St. in Kansas City, Kansas. The family has requested privacy, including from members of the media.
–Alan Goforth
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