Megan Barnett, a Norman mom, had arranged a birthday surprise for her son Connor with tickets to the Kansas Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday Night Football game. For Connor, a devoted Chiefs fan, what started out as a happy surprise descended into tragedy on Oklahoma's Turner Turnpike.
On the way to the Kansas City Chiefs game, 18-year-old Connor Barba lost his life in a tragic head-on collision, and his mother, Megan Barnett, was seriously hurt.
In an interview with Koco News, Colin Barnett, Connor's uncle and Megan's brother, said that both eagerly anticipated the Kansas City Chiefs game, though they each had their reasons. Colin said:
"He really wanted to see Baker Mayfield play, and Megan, I think, wanted to see the Chiefs play, likely the Taylor Swift connection,"
Connor’s uncle, Colin, also shared details about the tragic crash, explaining that:
"Connor swerved right in a way and slammed on the brakes as hard as he could.”
Colin believes this quick reaction helped shield Megan Barnett from a worse impact, as Connor 'took the full brunt of the [Camaro]' himself.
In the wake of the accident that took place on 2nd November, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to assist with Connor’s funeral expenses and Megan’s medical costs, quickly raising over $105,000 thanks to the support of compassionate donors across the community and beyond.
Megan Barnett’s path to recovery
Megan Barnett, who organized the trip as a heartfelt surprise for her son, sustained serious injuries in the head-on collision and is on the path to recovery. The GoFundMe page set up by a family friend outlines the extensive care she will need in the coming months. The page states that Megan Barnett is currently in ICU in a hospital in Tulsa and requires extensive recovery.
18-year-old Connor, who had recently graduated high school, is remembered by friends and family as a kind, vibrant young man deeply passionate about football.
Support from the NFL community and beyond
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The story gained widespread attention, drawing support from the sports community, including the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team, alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield, who previously played at the University of Oklahoma, donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign.
This generous contribution not only highlights the strong bond within the football community but also honors Connor’s passion for the sport continues to receive donations as people express their condolences and offer financial support. The funds raised will help cover Connor’s memorial expenses and aid Megan in her long journey to recovery, both physically and emotionally.
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