HUNTSVILLE — Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. died Tuesday, the school announced. He was 20 years old.
He was a second-year freshman from Lakewood, Calif., and transferred from Grambling State during the offseason.
Burnett sustained an injury Oct. 26 during a head-on-head collision in the Magic City Classic against Alabama State. He had been hospitalized since that time.
“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.”
A fundraising request on gofundme.com has a $100,000 goal and the school also set up an emergency relief fund. The gofundme goal included money to help the family pay for housing so they could be with him. The link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-medrick-burnett-jr-heal-after-severe-injury.
“He had several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain,” Burnett’s sister, Dominece, wrote in a post on the page. “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.”
Burnett appeared in seven games this season, recording a season-best three tackles at Austin Peay.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Medrick’s parents, siblings, and loved ones,” Bryant said. “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.
“Medrick Burnett Jr. will forever be remembered as a Bulldog. His spirit will remain an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the importance of unity, resilience, and love.”
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