YSU family honors student athlete killed in crash

Remembered for ‘infectious’ smile, energy

YOUNGSTOWN -- Hundreds of people gathered at Stambaugh Stadium to remember the life of former Youngstown State University football player Darius Shackleford, who was killed in a car crash late Saturday.

Shackleford was killed after Youngstown police tried stopping a different driver for a traffic violation and the driver attempted to evade police. Police said the driver crashed into Shackleford's vehicle on Albert Street and McGuffey Road. Shackleford was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police reports.

When word spread of Shackleford's death, it impacted the YSU community almost immediately. Hundreds of people took to social media to mourn. One YSU football social media page read, "YSU Football mourns the loss of former Penguins wide receiver Darius Shackleford. 'Shack' was a member of our program from 2015-20. Rest In Peace, We'll miss you."

The verified YSU page also stated, "Our thoughts are with the Shackleford family during this difficult time. The Penguin family mourns this loss with you."

In a statement, YSU head coach Doug Phillips said: "Darius was not only a great player, but he was an even better teammate and friend. His smile and energy were infectious. He not only affected so many within the football department in a positive way, but also crossed paths with the entire athletic department. We will carry fond memories of him for the rest of our lives. Our entire team and staff extends our deepest condolences to his family."

PENGUIN FAMILY

At the memorial, many people took time to speak about Shackleford. Former coaches and teammates shared stories about how he impacted their lives and how much he meant to them.

The university's athletic department presented the service. Associate athletic director Emily Wollet said the importance of hosting the memorial was to let his family know, although they didn't attend, how much Shackleford impacted the YSU athletic community.

"It's important his family and friends understand how impactful he was, it's so important we honor that," Wollet said. "He was a beautiful person and a wonderful kid."

As for hosting the memorial, assistant athletic director Myisha Jennings said Shackleford was someone who transcended all YSU teams.

"Darius meant a lot to the department as a whole. He was a student athlete who was just a light for all of our teams," Jennings said. "This is something so small but it's something that is so impactful. We wanted to give students, staff and people who Darius meant a lot to a space to celebrate him."

Among those who spoke were Director of Football Operations John Murphy and former Penguins head coach Bo Pelini.

"I will always remember his head tilted to the side and when he smiled he would light up any room he was in. There's never been anyone like Shack and there never will be," Murphy said to the crowd. "We all loved Shack and tonight, when you hit your knees, please remember to thank God for giving us Shack."

Pelini said the news of Shackleford's death was a shock and hearing it took a while for the news to register. He shared a story about a time he and Shackleford were in an emergency room.

"It was just he and I and we talked about how God has a plan," Pelini said. "Sunday morning I had to think about that. I tried to make sense of it. He's in a better place today. God has a plan and He wanted Shack with him. We'll miss you, Shack."

Former teammate Nathan Mays also spoke about Shackleford's impact on his life.

"Shack's the kind of guy everybody knows could put a smile on anyone's face at any time of the day. Everyone's gonna remember him as a loving, fun guy," Mays said. "I've heard over the years, that in order to feel and experience tremendous gratitude and joy, you have to know how much you could lose in an instant. Although I'm at a worst time in my life right now and I'd do anything to get him back, I would experience this 10 times over to keep the memories I have of Shack.

"There was no limit to how much of an impact he could have had on you in one single day and I was fortunate enough to have over five years worth of it. I thank you for everything you did for everyone, Shack."

nhawthorne@tribtoday.com