The West Virginia State University (WVSU) community is mourning the tragic loss of senior football player Jyilek Harrington, who was shot and killed just one day before his highly anticipated home debut. The 21-year-old, who had recently transferred to WVSU from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, was gunned down in a Charleston apartment on Wednesday night in what authorities are investigating as a home invasion and homicide.
Harrington, a standout student-athlete from Charlotte, North Carolina, had quickly become an integral part of the Yellow Jackets’ football program. His death has sent shockwaves not only through the WVSU campus but also among his former teammates at Carson-Newman University, who were set to face off against him in a special home opener this Thursday.
WVSU President Ericke S. Cage expressed the deep sorrow felt across the university, paying tribute to Harrington as an “outstanding student-athlete” and a leader both on and off the field. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,” Cage said in a heartfelt letter to students and faculty.
The home opener, which was supposed to see Harrington compete against his old teammates, has been postponed in light of the tragedy. Both WVSU and Carson-Newman teams will come together for a private vigil to honor their fallen comrade. The game has been rescheduled for Friday at noon, but the air of excitement that once surrounded the match has been replaced with somber reflection.
The loss of Harrington is particularly devastating given his promising football career. Just last week, he recorded eight tackles, including a sack, in WVSU’s narrow 27-24 victory against Barton College. His performance had further solidified his role as a key player for the Yellow Jackets, making the timing of his death all the more heartbreaking.
Carson-Newman’s Vice President of Athletics, Matt Pope, also extended his condolences, emphasizing the sorrow felt by both schools. “News like this is sad to hear anytime, but today it feels worse with two teams who knew him coming together to play,” Pope said. His statement echoes the shared grief of the two football programs, united in their respect for Harrington’s talent and character.
Harrington wasn’t just known for his achievements on the football field. His contributions to the community were equally impactful. Each year, he took the initiative to raise money for underprivileged families during the holiday season—a testament to his generosity and leadership. In his honor, the WVSU Athletic Department has set up a similar fundraiser to continue his legacy of giving back. By Friday morning, the initiative had already raised over $4,400, a powerful tribute to Harrington’s influence and the lives he touched.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Harrington’s death continues, the WVSU community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of a young man whose potential seemed limitless. In a time of deep sorrow, Harrington’s memory will be kept alive through the shared love of football, his dedication to helping others, and the lasting impact he had on his peers and teammates.
The rescheduled game this Friday will now serve as more than just a contest between two teams—it will be a powerful reminder of the fragile nature of life and the bonds formed on and off the field. Harrington’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire both the WVSU and Carson-Newman communities for years to come.
