College Announces Star Player Died From Severe Head Injury, Later Retracts Statement To Say He’s Alive

Alabama A&M announced Wednesday that redshirt freshman linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. died. The school later announced that Burnett did not die.

“Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” stated athletics director Dr. Paul A. Bryant. “Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.”

“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Medrick’s parents, siblings, and loved ones,” the school said in an official statement Wednesday. “We also offer our heartfelt support to his teammates, coaches, and the entire Alabama A&M community who are mourning this loss. In this moment of sorrow, we come together to honor Medrick’s legacy and celebrate the light he brought to our lives. May we all draw strength from one another as we navigate this difficult time.”

Hours after, the school announced that Burnett is not dead. Officials retracted their prior statement, saying they were originally in contact with an “immediate family member Tuesday evening,” according to ESPN. (Read more from “College Announces Star Player Died From Severe Head Injury, Later Retracts Statement To Say He’s Alive” HERE)

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