HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – An Alabama A&M linebacker who was carted off the field during the Magic City Classic in October remains in the hospital, his family says.

Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, was injured in a head-on collision during the game, according to a GoFundMe organized for him by his sister Dominece James.

“He had multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling. He had to be drained via a tube to relieve the pressure and after two days of severe pressure we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was a last resort to try to save his life,” reads one on GoFundMe published update.

Burnett played in seven games this season. He transferred from Grambling State to Alabama A&M.

The GoFundMe set up for Burnett reported that he turned 20 in October. More than $26,000 was raised for his family.

On Wednesday morning, Alabama A&M University officials released a statement reporting that Burnett Jr. had died. The statement has since been withdrawn.

After speaking with Burnett Jr.’s family, it was confirmed that he remains in hospital in Birmingham.

“When the time comes, we will make a statement about what we went through,” Burnett Jr.’s mother, Denise Burnett, said.

Alabama A&M University Athletics released a new statement apologizing for “spreading false information.”

We are retracting the news of Medrick Burnett Jr.’s death, originally shared by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening. Our staff honored the family member’s wishes and notified the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate incident. 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.

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