West Virginia State Linebacker, 21, Fatally Shot During Reported Home Invasion: 'A Great Loss'

Mar. 15, 2025

An entrance to West Virginia State University is seen in Institute,.Photo:AP Photo/Drew Costley

AP Photo/Drew Costley

A linebacker at West Virginia State University is dead after reportedly being shot during an alleged home invasion.

According toThe Washington Post,Charleston Police Department lieutenant Tony Hazelett said that 21-year-old Jyliek Zyiare Harrington was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a Charleston apartment on Wednesday night. Hazelett said they attempted lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead on the scene, West Virginia Public Broadcastingreported.

The university confirmed Harrington’s death in a post onInstagramon Thursday, writing, “Our community has suffered a great loss with the death of student-athlete Jyilek Harrington.”

“Jyilek, a senior member of the Yellow Jacket football team, was a dedicated student-athlete and a community leader,” the post continued. “Our deepest condolences go out to Jyilek’s family, friends, coaches, and teammates.”

The school originally said it would honor Harrington in a moment of silence before Thursday’s football game against Carson-Newman University, which happened to be the team that Harrington transferred from this year. Hours before kickoff, West Virginia Stateannouncedthat the game would be postponed to the following day so that both teams could hold “private vigils” on Thursday.

Additionally, West Virginia State established afundraiserin memory of Harrington. “The WVSU Athletic Department and Football program mourn the loss of Jyilek Harrington, whose life was lost Wednesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus,” the school said in a fundraiser description.

“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.”

Donations to the fundraiser will be “distributed to an organization in his hometown of Charlotte,” the school’s fundraiser said, concluding, “We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, coaches and teammates during this difficult time.”

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According toThe Washington Post, no information about a possible suspect has been made available.

Students and faculty at the university will have access to counselors, the school said on Thursday.

In a letter to the school’s community, West Virginia State President Ericke S. Cage said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man."

source: people.com