Jyliek Zyiare Harrington, a soccer player at West Virginia State University, was was killed Wednesday night during a home invasion.
Charleston police said the 21-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds in his apartment. EMTs tried to save his life, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the investigators, there were disturbances in the hall of the building and in the apartment before shots were fired. The incident is being investigated as a home invasion. Police say there is no current description or information about the suspect.
Harrington, a senior originally from Charlotte, NC, was a linebacker on the team. The university described him as a “leader not only on our campus, but in our community.”
The team’s scheduled game on Thursday night was moved to Friday afternoon to keep a vigil.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,” school president Ericke S. Cage said in a letter to students and faculty.
“In memory of Jyilek, and in support of our football team, I encourage all students, faculty and staff to participate [tomorrow’s football game at noon] against Carson-Newman University, where Jyilek also played once, Cage added.