Hours after declaring his death, Alabama A&M announced that linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr is still alive in the hospital due to a head injury sustained during an October game and provided a fresh injury update
Medrick Burnett Jr. was hurt during a game against Alabama State on October 26. The athletic administration issued a statement on his condition on Wednesday. According to the second statement, Burnett’s death was first reported “by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening.”
Is Alabama A&M college football player Medrick Burnett Jr alive or dead as death rumors go viral, latest injury update and how to donate to GoFundMe campaign
In order to help with his medical and travel costs, his family started a GoFundMe, which has so far received a sizable sum of money. As of Wednesday, $27,000 were raised, with former Grambling State football coach Hue Jackson contributing $1,000.
After beginning his collegiate career at Grambling State, the redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M’s squad over the summer. Medrick Burnett Jr. made five tackles in seven games, three of which came against Austin Peay.
On October 26, 2024, Alabama A&M University linebacker, age 20 Medrick Burnett Jr who has a height of 1.88m, suffered a serious head injury while playing football versus Alabama State. After learning of his passing from a relative, the institution first declared him dead. Medrick Burnett Jr., AKA “Meddy,” plays college football for Alabama AAMU #51 and was severely injured after a head-on-head collision during the game.
When they found out he was still alive and stable, they later withdrew the statement. He needed considerable medical treatment for the brain bleeding and swelling caused by the incident, which happened the day before his 20th birthday. His 20th birthday was October 27th with him currently in the ICU with several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain. He has had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure and after 2 days of severe pressure the family had to opt for craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life.
You can donate to his GoFundMe campaign here.
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— ☆ ATownSquare™ (@atownsquare) November 28, 2024
On the evening of November 26, 2024, a member of Burnett Jr.’s immediate family made a bogus declaration about his passing. Following that, the athletic department at Alabama A&M released a statement lamenting his passing.
The university withdrew its announcement after obtaining new information from UAB Hospital. They attested that Burnett was still alive and receiving medical attention for his wounds. The university underlined their delight that Burnett’s status remained stable and offered sincere apology for the inaccurate statement.
“Upon hearing from a representative from UAB hospital this afternoon, we learned that he remains alive. We express our immediate regret for disseminating false information however, we hold complete joy in knowing that Medrick remains in stable condition,” the school said in its statement.
Update: Alabama A&M football player Medrick Burnett Jr. is still alive and on life support.
AAMU has retracted its previous announcement that he passed away.
Let's lift Medrick and his family up in prayers. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/AAHKFoMuEx
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) November 27, 2024