HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) – A college football player in Alabama has died after being injured during a game last month.

Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, was injured during a loss to Alabama State University while playing in the Magic City Classic.

According to a GoFundMe that his sister Dominece James has organized for him, Burnett was injured during a head-on collision during the game.

“He had several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain. He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after two days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life,” family members shared.

Jefferson County Coroner Matt Angelo confirmed Burnett Jr. died at UAB Hospital Wednesday at 5:43 p.m.

The 20-year-old played in seven games this season for the Bulldogs. He transferred to Alabama A&M from Grambling State.

Earlier on Wednesday, Alabama A&M released a statement also confirming Burnett’s death, but it was retracted later that day after his family said he remained in the hospital on life support.

“He was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him,” Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant said. “We are humbled by the strength of his family who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.”

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