No charges yet in fatal crash

Announcement expected today in former YSU football player’s death

YOUNGSTOWN -- Prosecutors are still evaluating evidence in Saturday's East Side crash that killed former Youngstown State University football player Darius Shackleford, 24, before deciding what charges to file.

Youngstown Law Director Jeff Limbian said a decision regarding charges is likely to occur today.

Youngstown police said Shackleford, originally from Newark, died at the scene when a 19-year-old man crashed into Shackleford's vehicle at Albert Street and McGuffey Avenue at 11:54 p.m.

The 19-year-old driver "attempted to evade police" after an officer tried to make a traffic stop on his car at Albert Street and the Himrod Avenue Expressway, Youngstown police said Sunday in a news release.

The 19-year-old, whose identity has not been released, drove north on Albert Street a short distance before the crash. The 19-year-old and his 17-year-old passenger were apprehended at the scene and not injured, the release from the police department's detective division states. No arrests were made.

The Youngstown Police Department's Accident Investigation Unit, police detectives, internal affairs division and Mahoning County coroner's office are investigating.

Shackleford, a receiver, had his best year with the Penguins in 2018, his junior year, playing in 10 games, catching 11 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He was with the program from 2015 to 2020.

"Darius was not only a great football player, but he was an even better teammate and friend," YSU football coach Douglas Phillips posted Sunday. "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 all carry fond memories of him the rest of our lives. Our entire team and staff extends our deepest condolences to his family."

Shackleford's hometown newspaper, the Newark Advocate, said Shackleford was a standout receiver and defensive back in high school. He also was a starter on the 2015 district championship basketball team and an outfielder and pitcher on the district runner-up baseball team.

Shackleford also was honored as The Advocate Male Athlete of the Year in 2015.