A 21-year-old senior linebacker, Jyilek Harrington from West Virginia State University, was tragically shot and killed in a suspected home invasion on Wednesday night, September 11, 2024. The incident happened just a day before Harrington’s team was due to face his former school, Carson-Newman University.
Charleston police in West Virginia were alerted to a disturbance in the 700 block of Regency Drive around 8:38 p.m., following reports of multiple gunshots. On reaching the scene, emergency services found Harrington in an apartment, suffering from several gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Charleston Police Department’s Lieutenant Tony Hazelett reported that a number of gunshots were discharged during a commotion in the hallway and inside the apartment. As of now, police have not disclosed any information about a potential suspect.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Harrington had recently transferred to West Virginia State University for his senior year. He was an inside linebacker for the Yellow Jackets football team. In his most recent game against Barton College, Harrington had a significant impact with eight tackles and one sack, helping his team to a 27-24 win.
President Ericke Cage of West Virginia State University expressed his sympathies, calling Harrington an exemplary student-athlete and a genuine leader both on campus and in the community. He extended his thoughts and prayers to Harrington’s family, lamenting the loss of such an exceptional young man.
The university’s home opener against Carson-Newman University, originally planned for Thursday night, September 12, was rescheduled to Friday, September 13, at noon. This allowed both teams to hold private memorial services on Thursday night. Prior to his transfer to West Virginia State, Harrington was a student at Carson-Newman.
Upon hearing the news, Carson-Newman University’s head football coach Ashley Ingram stated, “This was tragic and awful news to receive this morning.” Both campuses are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Harrington.
Beyond his contributions on the football field, Harrington’s impact was far-reaching. Nate Burton, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Virginia State University, recounted how Harrington once organized a GoFundMe campaign to help families in need during the Christmas season.
In order to honor Harrington’s memory and continue his philanthropic efforts, the athletic department at West Virginia State University has set up a memorial fund. All contributions will be donated to an organization in Harrington’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, to carry on his tradition of aiding others.
The Charleston Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the shooting. Authorities are encouraging anyone with any information related to the incident to come forward.
