College football star dies after scoring TD on Saturday. Here’s the latest

SportsMicahJo Barnett died on Saturday. Canva Illustration for NJ.comBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comThe college football season got off to a heartbreaking start Saturday as William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after suffering a medical emergency during his team’s game against Fort Lewis. The school announced his passing in a statement on its website. “William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett, a junior business administration and member of Jewell Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo’s family, our students, and the Cardinal Football family, and the rest of our community during this time of loss.”The statement added that a vigil for Barnett is slated to be held at 8 p.m. Saturday. Fox 4 reporter Harold R. Kuntz reported that play was suspended in the first quarter after Barnett began suffering from “seizure-like symptoms.” Video from the game showed Barnett scoring the game’s only touchdown before play was suspended.Kuntz reported that William Jewell players were seen leaving the team’s facility in tears and hugging one another.Barnett started five games last season as a sophomore, leading William Jewell with 366 rushing yards. He also scored four touchdowns. His best game came when he rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries against Kentucky Wesleyan. He helped lead his high school, Liberty North, to a state title in Missouri as a senior.Fans and friends were quick to comment on the school’s announcement when it was shared to Facebook.“So grateful to have gotten to play with him, he was truly a man of faith,” Treyton Shriver wrote. “Praying for his family and our community.”“Heartbreaking news about a great young man,” John Dembski wrote. “Praying for his family, coaches, teammates, and North Nation at Liberty North. Gone too soon but not forgotten.”Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...