Alabama A&M University apologized for falsely announcing the death of student athlete Medrick Burnett Jr., who is still alive and in stable condition after a head-on collision during the Magic City Classic on October 26.
Medrick Burnett Jr., a college football player from Alabama A&M University, is still alive despite the university releasing a statement stating he had died.
Incident Overview
Medrick Burnett Jr. is a student athlete who was involved in an October football game against Alabama State University, where he sustained injuries. His family reported that he is on life support due to complications from a head-on collision during the Magic City Classic on October 26.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
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Medrick Burnett Jr. sustained injuries in an October football game against Alabama State University.
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His family reported that he is on life support due to complications from a head-on collision during the Magic City Classic on October 26.
The University’s Initial Statement and Apology
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Alabama A&M athletics director Dr. Paul A. Bryant released a statement on November 27 stating that Burnett had died.
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The statement was later deleted and replaced with another one apologizing for the false announcement.
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In the second statement, the university acknowledged that they had disseminated false information and expressed regret for their mistake.
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They also stated that Medrick remains in stable condition and is still alive.
Burnett’s Condition
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Medrick’s sister, Dominece James, wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser that her brother suffered from several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain, requiring a craniotomy to relieve pressure.
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Burnett remains in stable condition but is still in the hospital fighting through complications from a head-on collision he suffered during the Magic City Classic on October 26.
Importance of Verification
The incident highlights the importance of verifying information before releasing it to the public, especially in situations where families are involved.
