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West Virginia commit Christopher Wilson Jr. dies at 17: Mountaineers prospect killed in shooting

Promising West Virginia football recruit Christopher Wilson Jr. was fatally shot in Muncie, Indiana, early Monday morning, ending the life of a standout high school athlete just days before his 18th birthday.

The 17-year-old senior from Yorktown High School had committed to the Mountaineers in June and was ranked among Indiana’s top prospects, drawing interest from multiple Power Five programs, including Indiana and several SEC schools. Wilson, a three-star prospect by 247Sports and a four-star composite, was celebrated for his defensive skills and leadership, earning praise from coaches and peers alike for his humility and work ethic.

The tragedy has left the football community in mourning, with West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez calling Wilson’s loss a devastating blow to the program. Yorktown High School principal Stacey Brewer described him as a bright young man with big dreams, deeply missed by his school and community.

Authorities confirmed Wilson was more than an athlete, emphasizing his impact as a son, friend, and teammate to many in Delaware County.

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