18-Year-Old Chiefs Fan Dies on Way to Game – The Heartbreaking Truth Behind Connor Barba’s Death

Connor Barba’s mom gave him a surprise gift: tickets to a Monday Night Football game to see the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a special treat for his upcoming birthday.

Megan Barnett and her son, Connor, were excited and on their way to Kansas City for a fun night of football. Sadly, their trip ended in heartbreak when they were involved in a head-on car crash.

Connor Barba and his mom, Megan Barnett, were looking forward to a Monday Night Football game on November 4, 2024, but for different reasons. Connor’s uncle, Colin Barnett, said the 18-year-old was excited to see Baker Mayfield play, while Megan was more interested in seeing the Kansas City Chiefs. Colin guessed this might be because Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce, a player on the Chiefs.

Megan, 41, surprised her son with game tickets for his upcoming birthday. Colin said, “He was shocked. It wasn’t something he expected.” The mother and son left their home in Norman, Oklahoma, heading to Arrowhead Stadium. Tragically, they never made it. Just before 4:00 p.m., while driving on a narrow, two-lane road, a Chevy Camaro crossed into their lane and crashed head-on into their Hyundai SUV.

Kansas State Police reported that Connor, who was driving, tried to avoid the crash by swerving right and braking hard. His actions likely saved his mom’s life, but he took the full impact of the collision. Sadly, Connor and the driver of the Camaro, 45-year-old Joseph Savage from Coffeyville, died at the scene. Megan suffered severe injuries and is now in the ICU in Tulsa, fighting to recover.

Megan’s recovery will be slow and difficult, requiring extensive medical treatment. Colin said she was stabilizing, giving the family hope she could soon leave the ICU.

Connor’s family is heartbroken by his loss and concerned for Megan’s health. Colin shared fond memories of Connor, saying, “He was a wonderful young man, full of joy and always smiling. He loved to laugh and make jokes.”

Connor had just graduated high school last May and was planning his future. Colin explained, “He worked hard, took pride in it, and was preparing for trade school. He had just moved into his own apartment with a friend.”

As the oldest sibling, Connor always took care of his younger siblings. He was also very protective of Megan, who raised him on her own. Colin said, “He stepped up for his mom. He did everything out of love and commitment.”

Colin added that Connor was a huge football fan, especially of Baker Mayfield. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared that Baker and his wife want to reach out to Connor’s family and will donate $10,000 to help cover the memorial and medical costs.

Baker, now in his second season with the Buccaneers, expressed his sadness, saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with Megan and her family during this heartbreaking time. I’m honored that Connor was such a big fan. I wish I could have met him.”

He also shared his hopes for Megan’s recovery and said he was moved by the nationwide support for the family. Now, friends and relatives are gathering to support Megan, who is facing not only the emotional loss but also high medical bills and funeral costs.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, and donations have already reached over $100,000. The family is grateful for the kindness they’ve received during this painful time.

Connor is survived by his mother, uncle, sister, father, stepmother, and two stepsiblings, all of whom he loved dearly.