William Jewell announces death of RB MicahJo Barnett after medical emergency on sideline

William Jewell announced that junior running back MicahJo Barnett has died. Barnett appeared to suffer a medical emergency on the sideline during the Cardinals' home opener against Fort Lewis on Saturday.

"William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of Micah Jo Barnett," the school wrote in a statement . "Our thoughts and prayers are with Micah Jo's family, our students, the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss."

Per the school, a vigil to honor Barnett will be held Saturday night.

Play was suspended in the first quarter on Saturday after Barnett began suffering from what Liberty Fire EMS called "seizure-like symptoms," via Fox4 KC's Harold R. Kuntz . The game was later called off, with Kuntz reporting that Jewell players were emotional as they left the facility.

Barnett, a junior, was majoring in business administration, per the athletic department's website . He was born in Shawnee, KS and attended Liberty North High School, winning a Missouri state championship his senior year.

After playing in eight games as a freshman at William Jewell, Barnett started in five games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Barnett also received all-Great Lakes Valley Conference academic honors last season.