Jyilek Zyiare Harrington Obituary, Death; – A linebacker from Division II West Virginia State was tragically shot and killed during an incident that the university announced on Thursday is being treated by law enforcement as a home invasion.
The remains of Jyilek Zyiare Harrington, 21, hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, were discovered within an apartment on Wednesday night in Charleston, according to a statement from police Lt. Tony Hazelett.
Lt. Hazelett reported that multiple gunshots were discharged during a disturbance both in the hallway and inside the apartment. The statement indicated that Harrington sustained several gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet identified any potential suspects.
West Virginia State University has made counselors available to support students and faculty on campus.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they navigate this profound loss of such an exceptional young man,” stated West Virginia State President Ericke S. Cage in a letter addressed to students and faculty.
Harrington, a senior, recorded eight total tackles, including one sack, during a recent 27-24 victory against Barton College.
“Jyilek truly exemplified the essence of being a student-athlete and was a leader both on campus and within the community,” remarked Nate Burton, West Virginia State’s vice president of intercollegiate athletics. “During the Christmas season, he would initiate a GoFundMe campaign to assist families in need.”
Burton also mentioned that contributions to a fund established in Harrington’s honor by the athletic department will be allocated to an organization in Charlotte to perpetuate his charitable efforts.
A moment of silence was scheduled for Thursday evening prior to West Virginia State’s home opener against Carson-Newman. Harrington had previously played for Carson-Newman, where he recorded seven tackles in six games last season. He began his collegiate journey at Division II Erskine College.
“Carson-Newman stands in solidarity with West Virginia State in mourning the premature loss of former student-athlete Jyilek Harrington,” stated Matt Pope, vice president of athletics at Carson-Newman. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harrington family and the Yellow Jackets’ campus community. Such news is profoundly saddening.”
