September 12th, 2024 2:00pm
INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- The WVSU Athletic Department and Football program are mourning the loss of Jyilek Harrington, whose life was lost Wednesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus. The incident is currently being investigated by law enforcement as a home invasion and homicide.
Harrington was a senior member of the Yellow Jacket football team. Before Friday's football home opener, a moment of silence will be held to honor him.
"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 [tomorrow's football game at noon] against Carson-Newman University, where Jyilek also once played," Cage said.
"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." To donate to the Jyilek Harrington Memorial Fund, please visit https://give.wvstateu.edu/JyilekHarrington.
"We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, coaches and teammates during this difficult time," Burton said.
"Carson-Newman joins West Virginia State in mourning the untimely passing of former student-athlete Jyilek Harrington," Carson-Newman's Vice President of Athletics Matt Pope said in a statement. "The Harrington family and the Yellow Jackets' campus community is in our prayers. News like this is sad to hear anytime, but today it feels worse with two teams who knew him coming together to play."
Counseling is available through Counseling and Wellness Services, located on the first floor of Sullivan Hall, East. The office can be reached at (304) 766-3168 or [email protected].
UPDATE 2:45 P.M.: Thursday's contest with Carson-Newman has been postponed to Friday afternoon at Noon. The kickoff was originally scheduled for Thursday night at 6 p.m. Both teams will participate in a private vigil tonight.