Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., whose death was reported a month after a mid-game collision Wednesday, is actually still alive and in stable condition at a hospital, school officials said.

Burnett was injured when he and another player collided head-on at the Magic City Classic against rival Alabama State on Oct. 26 – a day before his 20th birthday. News of his alleged death on Wednesday spread quickly after the Alabama A&M University athletic department released an announcement. Hours later, however, the school retracted that statement, saying “an immediate family member” had told them he had died.

“Our staff honored the family member’s wishes to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate incident,” A&M said. “When we heard from a UAB Hospital representative this afternoon, we learned he was still alive. We express our immediate regret for spreading false information, but are very pleased that Medrick remains in stable condition.”

TMZ initially reported that the redshirt player was still fighting for his life in the hospital. The family confirmed this in an online fundraiser to raise money to accommodate distant family members, including his parents, near the hospital.

“He had multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling,” his sister, who organized the fundraiser, said in a post. “He had to be drained through a tube to relieve the pressure and after two days of heavy pressure we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was a last resort to try and save his life.”

As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised nearly $33,000 of its $100,000 goal. The family did not comment publicly on the incorrect report.

“When the time comes, we will make a statement about what we went through,” the player’s mother, Denise Burnett, told WAFF-TV.

Burnett, a freshman from Lakewood, Calif., joined the Alabama A&M team the summer after transferring from Grambling State. Three of the five tackles he made in seven games came against Austin Peay State University.

With News Wire Services

Originally published: November 27, 2024 at 9:08 pm EST