CHARLESTON, WV – The victim of Wednesday night's unfortunate shooting has been identified by the Charleston Police Department as 21-year-old Jaylek Harrington, a West Virginia State University (WVSU) inside linebacker and senior. Harrington, who recently transferred to WVSU from Charlotte, North Carolina, was well liked by his peers for being a committed student-athlete and a positive influence on campus.
The shooting, which happened in the 700 block of Regency Drive, stunned the neighborhood and sent shockwaves through the Charleston area and the WVSU campus. Officers were called to the scene after a disturbance turned violent and resulted in multiple shots fired, according to Charleston police. Shortly thereafter, the Charleston Fire Department responded to Harrington's call for help, but their attempts to save his life were ultimately fruitless. At the scene, Harrington was pronounced dead.
Although a recent arrival, Harrington had already left a lasting mark on the WVSU community, so the news of his departure caused shock and disbelief. Harrington was a vital member of the Yellow Jackets football team and transferred to WVSU earlier this year, according to the university's communications office. As an inside midfielder, he was highly regarded on the field and known for his perseverance and hard work.
Harrington had a promising and tenacious journey to WVSU. He was a native of Charlotte and had a keen interest in both academics and football. His desire to succeed in both areas and take advantage of the opportunities he was given motivated him to transfer to WVSU. Heading into his senior year of college with much anticipation, he is determined to make his mark in the classroom as well as on the field. His teammates and coaches expressed their astonishment and sadness, and many spoke of him as a kind and encouraging friend in addition to being a gifted athlete.
