Alabama A&M linebacker died Tuesday following injuries sustained during a loss to Alabama State in the Magic City Classic in October.
Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, was injured during a head-on collision during the game, according to a GoFundMe that his sister Dominece James organized for him.
“He had several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain. He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after 2 days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life,” according to an update posted on GoFundMe.
Burnett played in seven games this season. He transferred to Alabama A&M from Grambling State.
The GoFundMe set up for Burnett reported that he turned 20 years old in October. More than $26,000 has been raised for his family.
“Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant said. “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.”
Alabama A&M said memorial service arrangements will be announced later.
