Jyilek Harrington
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A man shot and killed in Charleston Thursday night was a member of the West Virginia State University football team.
Jyilek Harrington, 21, of Charlotte, North Carolina suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the incident at an apartment complex on Charleston’s Regency Drive off Corridor G around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“A disturbance happened initially outside in the hallway and then poured inside to the apartment where shots were fired,” said Tony Hazelett, Charleston Police Chief of Detectives.
Hazelett said investigators have interviewed multiple people who were nearby, but so far have not identified a suspect in the case.
Harrington had recently transferred to West Virginia State having previously played at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee. Ironically State plays Carson-Newman tonight. West Virginia State President Ericke Cage encouraged the campus community to come out and honor Harrington’s memory at the game.
“We send our sincere condolences to Jyilek’s family, friends, coaches and teammates during this difficult time,” said Cage.
The University released the following statement:
“Last night our University community suffered a terrible loss with the death of student-athlete Jyilek Harrington, who was found dead in an off-campus apartment in Charleston. This tragic incident is currently being investigated by law enforcement as a home invasion and homicide.
Jyilek was a senior member of the Yellow Jacket football team. He was an outstanding student-athlete and was a leader not only on our campus, but in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man.
For any of our students who may need help processing this loss, please know that help is available. Counseling is available through Counseling and Wellness Services, located on the first floor of Sullivan Hall, East. The office can be reached at (304) 766-3168 or [email protected].
In remembrance of Jyilek, and in support of our football team, I am encouraging all students, faculty and staff to attend tonight’s football game at 6 p.m. against Carson-Newman University, where Jyilek also once played. Before the game, a moment of silence will be held to honor Jyilek.
In addition, the Athletic Department is establishing a GoFundMe in Jyilek’s honor. During Christmas time, Jyilek would create a GoFundMe to support less fortunate families, and this will be a way to continue that important work.
“Jyilek truly embodied what it means to be a student-athlete and was a leader not only on campus but in the community. Jyilek was a young man that, during Christmas, would create a GoFundMe to help less fortunate families,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Nate Burton. “The athletic department is creating a fund in memory of Jyilek and all donations will be distributed to an organization in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina to continue his work.” To donate to the Jyilek Harrington Memorial Fund, please visit https://give.wvstateu.edu/JyilekHarrington.
Carson Newman also released a statement on the tragedy from their athletic Director Matt Pope:
“Carson-Newman joins West Virginia State in mourning the untimely passing of former student-athlete Jyilek Harrington,” Carson-Newman’s Vice President of Athletics Matt Pope said in a statement. “The Harrington family and the Yellow Jackets’ campus community is in our prayers. News like this is sad to hear anytime, but today it feels worse with two teams who knew him coming together to play.”