College Football Game Postponed Following Player's Tragic Death

Jyilek Harrington, a football player for Division II West Virginia State, was shot and killed Wednesday night in Charleston, West Virginia.

The shooting, which occurred at an apartment complex on Charleston's Regency Drive, is being investigated by local police as a homicide.

According to reporting from West Virginia Metro News, Charleston Police Chief of Detectives Tony Hazelett said that a disturbance began outside in the hallway before moving into the apartment, where shots were fired. No suspects have been identified.

Harrington, 21, had recently transferred to West Virginia State after playing for Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. Ironically, West Virginia State was scheduled to play against Carson-Newman on Thursday.

Both teams agreed to postpone the game to Friday at noon, instead of the originally scheduled Thursday night kickoff.

"This was tragic and awful news to receive this morning," Carson-Newman head coach Ashley Ingram said in a statement. "We join with West Virginia State in mourning the passing of Jyilek Harrington. We will encourage and lift them up in their time of tragedy."

The teams organized a prayer vigil in place of the game. Additionally, Carson-Newman announced that no player would wear Harrington's former No. 31 jersey for the game.

West Virginia State President Ericke Cage expressed condolences and encouraged the campus community to honor Harrington's memory at the game.

"We send our sincere condolences to Jyilek’s family, friends, coaches, and teammates during this difficult time," he said.

The university released a statement describing Harrington as a senior member of the Yellow Jackets football team and a leader both on campus and in the community.

"Last night our University community suffered a terrible loss with the death of student-athlete Jyilek Harrington," the statement read. "This tragic incident is currently being investigated by law enforcement 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."

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