Medrick Burnett Jr., Alabama A&M football player, dies after suffering a head injury

Medrick Burnett Jr., Alabama A&M football player, dies after suffering a head injury

Alabama A&M football player Medrick Burnett Jr. has died after suffering a head injury during a football game against Alabama State in October.

Burnett, 20, a redshirt freshman linebacker, died at 5:43 p.m. local time Wednesday night, the Jefferson County coroner’s office in Alabama confirmed to CBS News on Friday. He had been hospitalized at UAB Hospital since his injury on Oct. 26. The exact cause of death was not given

According to the school’s athletics website, Burnett, a native of Lakewood, California, began his football career at Grambling State University in Louisiana before transferring to Alabama A&M. He played in seven games and made five tackles, including three against Austin Peay.

Medrick Burnett Jr. / Photo credit: Alabama A&M

Medrick Burnett Jr. / Photo credit: Alabama A&M

On Tuesday evening, Alabama A&M announced his death prematurely and then had to retract that statement.

In its erroneous statement Tuesday, the school’s athletic department reported that it had been informed of Burnett’s reported death by “an immediate family member” and had “acted in accordance with the family member’s wishes” to inform the public.

However, on Wednesday afternoon, the department said it had spoken with a hospital representative and learned that Burnett was still alive.

“We express our immediate regret for spreading false information, but are pleased that Medrick remains in stable condition,” the school said at the time.

A GoFundMe for Burnett had raised over $48,000 as of Friday.

Hiker missing in the Canadian wilderness for more than five weeks has been found safe

“CBS Evening News” headlines for Friday, November 29, 2024

Los Angeles is preparing for Trump’s promise of mass deportations

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *