Senior linebacker Jyilek Harrington, 21, from West Virginia State University, lost his life in a fatal shooting on Wednesday evening, September 11, 2024. The tragedy, which police are treating as a home invasion, took place a day before Harrington’s team was due to play against his previous school, Carson-Newman University.
Around 8:38 p.m., police in Charleston, West Virginia, responded to a disturbance call in the 700 block of Regency Drive following reports of multiple gunshots. Harrington was found in an apartment, critically wounded. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
According to Lieutenant Tony Hazelett from the Charleston Police Department, multiple shots were fired during a disturbance in a hallway and within the apartment.
Harrington, a Charlotte, North Carolina native, was a recent transfer to West Virginia State University and was in his final year. He played as an inside linebacker for the Yellow Jackets football team. His last game against Barton College saw him make significant contributions with eight tackles and one sack, leading his team to a 27-24 win.
President Ericke Cage of West Virginia State University expressed his sorrow, characterizing Harrington as an exceptional student-athlete and a genuine leader on campus and within the community. Cage extended his condolences and prayers to Harrington’s family, lamenting the loss of such an extraordinary young man.
The university’s home opener against Carson-Newman University, initially scheduled for Thursday evening, September 12, was postponed to Friday, September 13, at noon. This allowed both teams to hold private vigils on Thursday night. Before transferring to West Virginia State, Harrington had attended Carson-Newman.
The head football coach at Carson-Newman University, Ashley Ingram, reflected on the tragedy, stating, “This was tragic and awful news to receive this morning.” Students and faculty members at both schools shared this sentiment as they dealt with the sudden loss.
Nate Burton, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Virginia State University, underscored Harrington’s influence beyond the football field. He recalled how Harrington would set up a GoFundMe campaign to support needy families during Christmas.
The athletic department at West Virginia State University established a memorial fund in honor of Harrington to carry on his charitable efforts. All donations received will be given to a selected organization in Harrington’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, to continue his legacy of philanthropy.
The Charleston Police Department continues its investigation into the shooting, seeking additional information about the incident’s circumstances. They have called on anyone with relevant information to step forward.
