A Los Angeles County high school graduate died Wednesday from severe head injuries suffered during a college football game several weeks ago, local authorities confirmed.
His death came hours after the university incorrectly announced his death.
According to WHNT, an affiliate of KTLA in Huntsville, Alabama, Alabama A&M Bulldogs linebacker Medrick Barnett Jr., 20, was injured on October 26th during the team’s rivalry game against Alabama State University.
Barnett grew up in Lakewood and attended Mayfair High School. He joined the Bulldogs last season after transferring from Grambling State, Louisiana.
This undated team photo from Alabama A&M University features Medrick Barnett Jr. of Lakewood, California. Barnett suffered a severe head injury during a game a few weeks ago and passed away on November 27, 2024.
Barnett was seriously injured in a head-on collision during a game known locally as the Magic City Classic.
In a GoFundMe campaign, his sister said Barnett had “suffered several brain bleeds and swelling on his brain. We had to have a tube put in to take the pressure off and after two days of intense pressure, we I had to choose craniotomy.” It was a last resort to try to save his life. ”
She said the injury occurred the day before Barnett’s 20th birthday.
On Wednesday, Alabama A&M athletic director Paul A. Bryant released a statement to WHNT announcing Barnett’s death, calling the 20-year-old “an indelible mark of positive energy, leadership, and compassion for all who knew him.” “A remarkable young man who left a mark.” he. “
He went on to say that Burnett will forever be remembered as a Bulldog, and that the entire community is coming together to “honor Medrick’s legacy and celebrate the light he brought to our lives.” .
However, hours after issuing the statement, the university retracted its statement after it was revealed that Barnett remained on life support. A university spokesperson later apologized to WHNT for providing incorrect information.
Barnett died later that night, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Barnett’s cause of death has not been released, but tests are pending, WHNT reported.
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