### Tragic Loss: Alabama A&M Football Player Dies Following Head Injury

An Alabama A&M University football player hailing from Southern California has tragically passed away following a severe head injury sustained during a game in October. Medrick Burnett Jr., aged 20, was playing in his first season as a linebacker when he incurred the injury during the annual Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on October 26, according to a statement from the Jefferson County coroner.

The coroner confirmed that Burnett's official time of death was on Wednesday evening. Initially, the Alabama A&M athletic department had announced his death on Wednesday morning, only to issue a retraction later in the day. The subsequent statement clarified that the initial report of Burnett's demise came from an immediate family member on Tuesday evening.

Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, joined the Alabama A&M football team over the summer. Prior to this, he began his college football career at Grambling State. During his time with Alabama A&M, he played in seven games and recorded five tackles, including three significant tackles in a game against Austin Peay State University.

This tragic event has cast a shadow over the Alabama A&M community, highlighting the inherent risks associated with contact sports and the devastating impact such injuries can have on young athletes.