The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown support for the family of Connor Barba, an 18-year-old from Norman, Oklahoma, who tragically passed away in a car accident while traveling to Kansas City to watch the Buccaneers play. The team donated $10,000 to help Connor’s family, as they manage the emotional and financial aftermath of the tragedy. Connor’s mother, Megan Barnett, had surprised him with the game tickets for his birthday so he could see his favorite player, Baker Mayfield, but she was also seriously injured in the crash.
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed his sorrow for the family’s loss, saying through a spokesperson that he and his wife, Emily, plan to reach out to Megan and her family. Mayfield said he felt honored to know that Connor had been such a devoted fan and expressed regret that he wasn’t able to meet him. Now a new parent himself, Mayfield spoke about how deeply the story resonated with him, offering his hopes for Megan’s recovery and encouragement for the family to draw strength from the nation’s support.
Connor’s uncle, Collin Barnett, reflected on his nephew’s love of football and the excitement he had for the game. Speaking on “Good Morning America,” Collin described Connor as a big fan of Baker Mayfield who was thrilled to attend the Monday night game. Collin said the family had been looking forward to sharing this special experience with Connor, who was particularly passionate about football and eager to see his favorite player in action.
The accident happened on Nov. 2 in Montgomery County, Kansas, about 170 miles southwest of Kansas City. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2014 Chevy Camaro crossed into the opposite lane of a two-lane road and hit Connor’s vehicle head-on, resulting in a fatal impact that claimed the lives of both Connor and the other driver, Joseph Savage. Connor’s mother, Megan, was severely injured and remains hospitalized, while police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
In a further revelation, Collin Barnett shared that Connor’s actions likely saved his mother’s life. Collin explained that Connor, seeing the Camaro enter his lane, swerved and braked hard to minimize the impact on his mother’s side of the vehicle, sacrificing himself in an act his uncle described as heroic. Megan is currently in the ICU at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a GoFundMe organized by her employer to help with her medical expenses and long-term recovery.
