WVSU Football Player Killed In Charleston Shooting

Updated on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at 3 p.m

West Virginia State University is reeling from the death of a student athlete.

Football player Jyilek Harrington was pronounced dead with multiple gunshot wounds at a Charleston apartment Wednesday night, according to a press release from the Charleston Police Department.

“Charleston Fire Department attempted life saving measures, however the victim was pronounced deceased,” the release states.  

“Upon further investigation, it was learned a disturbance happened outside in the hallway and inside the apartment. During the disturbance multiple gunshots were fired.”

The Charleston Police do not have any information on a suspect, and ask members of the public with any information to  contact the Criminal Investigation Division, 304-348-6480 or Metro Communications, 304-348-8111.

In a written statement, WVSU President Ericke S. Cage said the death is being investigated 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,” Cage said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man.”

The Athletic Department has established a GoFundMe in Harrington’s honor. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Harrington was known to conduct fundraising efforts to support less fortunate families around Christmas.

“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 to continue his work,” said Nate Burton, WVSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics

According to the WVSU Foundation website, the Jyilek Harrington Memorial Fund had already raised more than $2,000 by 1 p.m. Thursday.

Harrington played for Carson-Newman University of Jefferson City, Tennessee last season before transferring to WVSU.

West Virginia State University’s home opener against the Carson-Newman Eagles has been postponed to Friday at noon. The kickoff was originally scheduled for Thursday night at 6 p.m. Both teams will be holding a private vigil tonight.

All online tickets sold for tonight’s game will be accepted for entry tomorrow. Any ticket holders that are unable to attend the game can contact the sports information office at West Virginia State to receive equal online credits to the number of purchased tickets that will be good for tickets to any home football game this season, with the exception of the homecoming game against Concord on Oct. 12. Unfortunately, WVSU cannot offer cash or credit card refunds. 

“This was tragic and awful news to receive this morning,” said Carson-Newman head football coach Ashley Ingram in a statement on the team’s website. “We join with West Virginia State in mourning the passing of Jyliek Harrington. We will encourage and lift them up in their time of tragedy.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated to reflect that the football game has been postponed until Friday.