Jyilek Harrington Obituary, Death – The Charleston Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday night as Jyilek Harrington, a West Virginia State University (WVSU) football player. Harrington, 21, was from Charlotte, North Carolina, and played as a senior inside linebacker for the WVSU football team.
According to the police report, officers responded to the scene at the 700 block of Regency Drive in Charleston, West Virginia, after receiving reports of gunfire at around 8:30 p.m. Upon arriving, they found Harrington with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police investigations revealed that a disturbance had taken place both in the hallway and inside an apartment at the location before the shots were fired. However, as of Thursday morning, no suspects have been identified, and no description of a possible shooter has been provided. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Charleston Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division or dispatchers at the numbers provided.
Nate Burton, the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at WVSU, expressed deep sorrow over Harrington’s death. He praised Harrington as a true embodiment of what it means to be a student-athlete, describing him as a leader both on campus and in the community. Burton also announced plans to set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support families in need during the holiday season in Harrington’s honor.
WVSU has encouraged students, faculty, and staff to attend Thursday night’s football game against Carson-Newman University, where Harrington once played. The game, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will feature a moment of silence before kickoff to honor Harrington’s memory.
Carson-Newman University also expressed its condolences, with the Vice President of Athletics, Matt Pope, releasing a statement. Pope noted that Harrington’s death was a tragic loss for both WVSU and Carson-Newman, particularly since the two teams were set to meet on the field that same day. He said that both the Harrington family and the WVSU community were in their thoughts and prayers, adding that news of his passing hit harder given the timing of the game between two teams that had connections to the late student-athlete.
In the wake of Harrington’s death, WVSU has made counseling services available for students. The university’s counseling office, located on the first floor of Sullivan Hall East, has provided contact information for those seeking support during this difficult time. The university has also created a memorial fund in Harrington’s name, and the community has been encouraged to contribute to the fund as a way of paying tribute to the fallen athlete.
The untimely death of Jyilek Harrington has sent shockwaves through both the WVSU campus and the wider community, leaving friends, teammates, and classmates grappling with the loss. As investigations continue, local authorities are working to gather more information about the incident and bring justice to those responsible for the tragedy.
Harrington’s death has also served as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that continues to affect communities across the country. The football player, remembered for his leadership, athleticism, and dedication, leaves behind a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
The university community is rallying together in the wake of this heartbreaking event, not only to remember Harrington’s contributions to the school but also to provide support to those affected by his sudden passing. With counseling services in place and a memorial fund established, WVSU is working to honor Harrington’s memory while helping students, faculty, and staff cope with the emotional toll of his loss.
As the investigation unfolds, the university and its football team will continue to mourn the loss of a talented athlete and promising young man whose life was cut tragically short. For now, the focus remains on commemorating Harrington’s legacy and supporting the loved ones he left behind.