CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A linebacker for Division II West Virginia State University has been shot and killed in what police are investigating as a home invasion, the university said Thursday.
The body of Jirek Ziare Harrington, 21, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was discovered inside a Charleston apartment on Wednesday night, police Lt. Tony Hazelett said in a statement.
Hazelett said several gunshots were heard during the commotion in the hallway and inside the apartment.
Harrington suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the statement, and police said they had no information on a suspect.
West Virginia State University said it has counselors on campus for students, faculty and staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Jilek's family as they mourn the loss of this remarkable young man,” West Virginia State University President Eric S. Cage said in a letter to students, faculty and staff.
Harrington, a senior, had eight total tackles, including a sack, in a 27-24 win at Barton College last week.
“Jilek embodied the very essence of a student-athlete and was a leader not only on campus but in the community,” West Virginia State University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Nate Burton said. “He was the kind of young man who would start a GoFundMe at Christmas to help families in need.”
Burton said donations to a fund set up by the athletic department in Harrington's memory will be distributed to Charlotte organizations to continue his charitable work.
West Virginia State's home opener, originally scheduled for Thursday night against Carson-Newman University, was postponed until Friday, and a private vigil involving both teams was scheduled for Thursday night.
Harrington, formerly of Carson-Newman, had seven tackles in six games last season. He began his collegiate career at Division II Erskine University.
“Carson-Newman University mourns along with West Virginia State University the untimely passing of former student-athlete Jirek Harrington,” Carson-Newman University Vice President Matt Pope said in a statement. “Our prayers are with Harrington's family and the Yellow Jacket campus community. News like this is always sad to hear, but it is even sadder today as two teams who knew him are playing together.”
