Alabama A&M Retracts Erroneous Death Announcement of Football Player Medrick Burnett Jr.

The university issued an apology after falsely reporting the linebacker’s death, confirming he remains alive but in critical condition following a severe head injury in October.

Alabama A&M initially announced on Wednesday that linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., 20, had died, based on information provided by an immediate family member.
Hours later, the university retracted the statement after UAB hospital confirmed Burnett is alive and in stable condition, though still fighting for his life.
Burnett sustained a severe head injury during a head-on collision in the Magic City Classic game against Alabama State on October 26, which led to brain swelling and multiple surgeries, including a craniotomy.
The false death report prompted widespread grief and tributes from teammates, coaches, and former schools before the correction was issued.
Burnett’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and housing for his parents, raising over $33,000 of its $100,000 goal.