Updated: September 3, 2026 • 11:15 a.m.
Press Release (August 29, 2026)
William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of
MicahJo Barnett, a junior business administration major and member of Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle. He was 20 years old.
Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo's family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss.
Students and staff are encouraged to connect with Counseling Services and/or the office of the Chaplain who are ready to provide support to those who need it.
A vigil will be held tonight (August 29) on the quad at 8 p.m. in honor of MicahJo and his family.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 5
9:00 a.m. - Visitation
11:00 a.m. - Celebration of Life
Memorial Hall (600 N. 7th Street • Kansas City, KS 66101)
Obituary
The Barnett family has requested privacy, including from members of the media, at this time.
Statement from Vice President for Athletics, Ryan Erlacher:
We are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic passing of
MicahJo Barnett. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all that love him. MicahJo is an exceptional young man who made a tremendous impact on the Jewell and Liberty communities and he will be greatly missed by all. Please keep his family in your prayers and we kindly ask for everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Statement from Great Lakes Valley Conference Commissioner, Jim Naumovich:
"The entire GLVC community is heartbroken by the loss of MicahJo. We encourage the ongoing support of his family, teammates, coaches, Cardinals' athletic department staff, first responders, William Jewell College and Liberty communities, and all those impacted by this tragedy"
Statement from Liberty Police & Fire Department (Nathan Mulch, PIO):
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the Liberty Fire Department had an ambulance on standby at the William Jewell College football game, as it does for every college or high school football game in Liberty.
During the game, Liberty Fire personnel were requested to respond to the sideline for William Jewell football player
MicahJo Barnett, who was experiencing a medical emergency. Barnett was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later passed away.
The Liberty Police Department is reviewing the circumstances surrounding Mr. Barnett's death and is working with the medical examiner's office. At this time, we are awaiting the medical examiner's findings regarding the cause and manner of death. A final determination may take several weeks, as toxicology and other laboratory testing can take time to complete.
Once the medical examiner's final report is received, the Liberty Police Department will review the findings and determine whether any additional follow-up is necessary.
No additional information is being released at this time. Any further questions regarding William Jewell College or the circumstances surrounding the football game should be referred to the college.
