College football player dies in off-campus shooting, university announces
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Sad news to pass along out of West Virginia.
West Virginia State University announced the passing of Jyilek Harrington on Thursday morning. Harrington was listed on the roster as a senior inside linebacker.
“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.”
Per WVSU, Harrington’s life was taken Wednesday evening during an off-campus incident. The school says that law enforcement is investigating the incident as a home invasion and homicide.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,” President Ericke S. Cage said in a letter to students and faculty.
“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,” Cage said.
West Virginia State is based in Institute, West Virginia. The Yellow Jackets compete at the Division II level.
Harrington was 21, per West Virginia Metro News.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
