Jefferson County Deputy Coroner AJ Clifton announced that Alabama A&M's Medrick Barnett Jr. died Wednesday night at the age of 20 after suffering a head injury during a football game in October. This was confirmed to The Athletic on Friday.
The redshirt freshman linebacker sustained the head injury during the Bulldogs' 27-19 loss to in-state rival Alabama State on Oct. 26 in the Magic City Classic.
Clifton declined to provide further information to the press. However, a news release is expected to be issued on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the university confirmed the student's death. However, they retracted their statement just hours later after receiving word from UAB Hospital that he was alive.
Alabama A&M said the 6-foot-2, 225-pound freshman was “originally advised by next of kin Tuesday night.”
“We are retracting the news of Medrick Barnett Jr.'s death, which was originally communicated to us by his immediate family Tuesday night.” University athletic department posted on X. “Our staff acted in accordance with the family's wishes to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate event. This afternoon we heard from a representative from UAB Hospital who confirmed that he was still alive. I understand. I immediately regret spreading false information, but I am glad to know that Medrick is in stable condition.”
GoFundMe started by Barnett's family The linebacker announced in October, the day before his 20th birthday, that he suffered “serious injuries in a head-on collision.”
“He had several cerebral hemorrhages and brain swelling,” his family wrote. “He had to have a tube put in to relieve the pressure and after two days of severe compression we were forced to opt for craniotomy, which was the last step to save his life. It was a means of
As of Friday night, the family had raised more than $51,000 of their $100,000 goal.
On Wednesday, GoFundMe organizer and Barnett's eldest sister, Dominece James, posted an update on the page, writing, “Please pray for him as he goes through a difficult time.However, we… is holding out until the end.” God has given us strength to maintain our faith. ”
Barnett initially played at Grambling State University in Louisiana and then transferred to Alabama A&M.
The Lakewood, California, native recorded five tackles in seven games during the Bulldogs' 6-6 season.
