Alabama A&M University linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. is “still alive” hours after the program announced his death.

Burnett sustained a head injury in an October clash against Alabama State. He has been hospitalized at UAB Hospital ever since.

On Tuesday evening, the school’s athletic department claimed they were informed of Burnett’s reported death by “an immediate family member” and “acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member” to inform the public. So, on Wednesday morning, the department announced the news Burnett had passed.

However, Alabama A&M has since been informed by a hospital representative that Burnett remains alive. The college decided to release a statement expressing its regret over the error.

“We retract the news of the passing of Medrick Burnette Jr, which was originally advised by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening,” Alabama A&M’s statement read. “Our staff acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate occurrence.

“Upon hearing from a representative from UAB hospital this afternoon, we learned that he remains alive. We express our immediate regret for disseminating false information however, we hold complete joy in knowing that Medrick remains in stable condition.”

On Tuesday, Sports Information Director Brian Howard had released a statement announcing Burnett’s ‘death’. He said: “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Alabama ‘retracts’ announcement of death of college football star who ‘remains alive’.

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“While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.”

Hailing from Lakewood, California, Burnett is a redshirt freshman at Alabama A&M. After transferring from Grambling State University, Burnett played in seven games and made five tackles, including three against Austin Peay.

According to a GoFundMe post by a woman identifying herself as Burnette’s sister, Burnette was severely injured after a head-on-head collision during the Magic City Classic game in Birmingham on October 26.

The post went on to explain that Burnette had several brain bleeds. More than $40,000 has been raised to help the family with expenses. The post says: “Please pray he is having a tough time but we are holding on til the very end. God give us strength so we can keep the faith.”