The West Virginia State football team and community are dealing with a tragic loss this week.
Senior linebacker Jyilek Harrington of Charlotte, North Carolina, lost his life Wednesday in what is being described by WVSU as an off-campus incident.
“The incident is currently being investigated by law enforcement as a home invasion and homicide,” the university said in a statement.
“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.
Cage also said the Yellowjackets will hold a moment of silence before tonight’s home game against Carson-Newman, where Harrington once played.
“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,” added West Virginia State vice president of 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.”
To donate to the Jyilek Harrington Memorial Fund, please visit https://give.wvstateu.edu/JyilekHarrington.
