A 20-year-old college football player dies a month after suffering a serious injury during a competitive game

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

Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., a redshirt freshman from California, died Tuesday from injuries suffered in a loss to Alabama State University while playing in the Magic City Classic.

According to A GoFundMe which his sister Dominece James organized for him, Burnett was injured in a head-on collision during the match.

“He had several brain bleeds and brain swelling. He had to have drainage to relieve the pressure, and after two days of strong pressure, we had to decide on a craniotomy, which was the last resort that helped save his life,” family members say.

Burnett has played in seven games this season. He transferred to Alabama A&M from Grambling State.

The fundraiser raised over $26,000. His family announced that he turned 20 in October.

The university said Burnett will be remembered for more than just his athletic achievements.

“Our Bulldog family is devastated by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.” said Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant. “Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was an extraordinary young man whose positive energy, leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. While words cannot adequately express our sadness, we are honored by the strength of his family who stood by his side during this unimaginable ordeal.”

Alabama A&M said arrangements for memorial services will be announced at a later date.