HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WKRC) – Football linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. has died at the age of 20 following a severe head injury sustained during a game last month.
Local officials confirmed that Burnett Jr., who played for Alabama A&M, passed away at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday at UAB Hospital, according to TMZ.
The injury occurred during Alabama A&M’s matchup with Alabama State on Oct. 26, just one day before Burnett Jr.’s birthday. He was treated in the intensive care unit, where he suffered several brain bleeds and swelling, according to his sister, Dominece James, said TMZ.
“He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after two days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life,” said James following the on-field injury.
Alabama A&M initially released a statement announcing Burnett Jr.’s death on Wednesday morning, which was later retracted. The university claimed it was informed of the tragic news by an “immediate” family member the previous night.
Burnett Jr. had appeared in seven games for the 2024 season before the incident.