Division II Linebacker Fatally Shot in Charleston Home Invasion

Police are investigating the fatal shooting of West Virginia State University linebacker Jyilek Zyiare Harrington in Charleston, West Virginia, as a home invasion.

Charleston, West Virginia — A Division II football player from West Virginia State University was fatally shot in Charleston, West Virginia, in what police are investigating as a home invasion.

Jyilek Zyiare Harrington, a 21-year-old linebacker, was found inside an apartment building on Wednesday after multiple gunshots were fired during a disturbance in the hallway and inside the apartment.

Division II Linebacker Fatally Shot in Charleston Home Invasion

Charleston police Lt. Tony Hazelett said that Harrington suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek's family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man," Ericke S. Cage, president of West Virginia State, said in a letter to the school's students and faculty.

Division II Linebacker Fatally Shot in Charleston Home Invasion

Vice president of intercollegiate athletics Nate Burton added: "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 who, during Christmas, would create a GoFundMe to help less fortunate families."

Police have not released any information on a possible suspect at this time.

Division II Linebacker Fatally Shot in Charleston Home Invasion

Harrington was in his senior season this year at West Virginia State, and he played a key role in the team's win over Barton College last week, collecting eight tackles and a sack in the victory.

Before West Virginia State takes on Carson-Newman in its home opener, a moment of silence will be held for Harrington, who previously attended the college. He also played at Divison II Erskine College.

Burton said that donations to a fund created by the athletic department in Harrington's memory will be distributed to a Charlotte organization that will continue his charitable work.

* Harrington's shooting is the first reported fatal shooting of a Division II football player this season.

* The last reported fatal shooting of a college football player occurred in May, when University of Oklahoma wide receiver Brennan Presley was shot and killed in Tulsa.

* The Charleston Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

* West Virginia State University is providing counseling services to students and staff who are grieving the loss of Harrington.

* Harrington's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his funeral expenses.