The death of an Alabama A&M football player was confirmed days after the school’s false statement

Medrick Burnett Jr., a first-year linebacker at the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, died tragically on Wednesday, just a month after suffering a serious head injury in a game against Alabama State University on October 26th. He was 20 years old.

News of Burnett’s death comes just days after the school falsely distributed a statement that the young athlete had succumbed to his injuries, even though he was still alive at the time.

A general view of an end zone corner pole before a college football game. (Jasen Vinlove-USA Today Sports)

Burnett, a Redshirt freshman of Lakewood, Calif., suffered a head injury last month during the annual Magic City Classic against the school’s in-state rivals. Dominece James, Burnett’s older sister, said in a fundraiser that he was injured after a “head-on collision.”

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“He had multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling. He needed a drainage tube to relieve the pressure and after two days of heavy pressure we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was a last resort.” “Help save his life,” her first post reads .

Alabama A&M University released a statement Wednesday morning Confirmation of Burnett’s death However, they later retracted the statement, saying they had received false information from the family.

“Our staff honored the family member’s wishes to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate incident,” the second statement said. “When we heard from a UAB Hospital representative this afternoon, we learned he was still alive.

A soccer ball on a high school football field. (Getty Images)

ALABAMA A&M SAYS FOOTBALL PLAYER ‘STAYS ALIVE’ AFTER PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCES DEATH

“We express our immediate regret for the spread of false information. However, we are completely pleased that Medrick remains in a stable condition.”

The latest update from Burnett’s sister was posted on Wednesday and read: “Please pray that this is difficult for him, but we will hold on until the end. May God give us strength so that we can keep the faith.”

Accordingly several reportsThe Jefferson County Coroner’s Office reported that Burnett was pronounced dead Wednesday at 5:43 p.m

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Burnett joined the Alabama A&M team in the summer after beginning his college career at Grambling State. He played in seven games and made five tackles, including three against Austin Peay.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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