Ex-Texas, Montana State DB Eryon Barnett dies at 24

Former Montana State and Texas defensive back Eryon Barnett passed away over the weekend.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Barnett, 24, died around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon in a Bozeman, Mont., hospital. A cause of death has not been determined. The Gallatin County (Mont.) Coroner’s office “will likely” complete an autopsy on Monday, the deputy coroner told the Chronicle.

Barnett's brother, Chris Barnett, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram his brother was hospitalized July 2 with pancreatitis.

“He had been going to the hospital,” Chris Barnett said. “This was his fourth or fifth time this year.”

According to the Chronicle, Barnett missed a portion of practice prior to the 2014 season due to complications from pancreatitis. Lingering symptoms from the ailment kept him out of two games early in the season and also hospitalized him in the spring.

Barnett was able to return in time to participate in the team’s pro day workout on March 16.

“I was going through the pancreatitis thing where I missed a couple of games and then in fall camp as well,” Barnett said after MSU’s pro day, per the Chronicle. “I actually just got out of the hospital last week, so usually I was supposed to have this week off and just rest and be ready for today, but I’ve been pretty much grinding out this last week.”

Barnett, a native of Euless, Texas, began his college career at the University of Texas and redshirted his first season in 2009. He played in seven games primarily on special teams for the Longhorns in 2010 and then missed the 2011 campaign with a knee injury.

Barnett transferred to Montana State and played in all 12 games for the Bobcats in 2012 and played in nine games (five starts) in 2013. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility and registered 37 tackles and two interceptions for the Bobcats in nine games last season.

“We’re heartbroken by the loss of Eryon Barnett,” MSU coach Rob Ash said in a statement. “He fought through so much as a football player, and always showed a resilient spirit that everyone that knew him drew from and admired.”

Barnett recently graduated from Montana State and was planning to move back to Texas to be closer to his two-year-old son, his brother said.

Mack Brown, Barnett’s former head coach at Texas, offered his condolences on Twitter.

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