Freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard continues to make progress in his recovery after being shot in the head in August.
Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who was shot in the head in September, was released from the hospital and is headed to a rehabilitation center as he makes progress in his recovery.
The update on Pritchard was announced on Thursday, Oct. 9 in a statement from Florida State and Pritchard's father, Earl. Pritchard was released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is moving to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida.
"I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son," Earl Pritchard said. "There have been a lot of ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today ... Coach Norvell has checked in every day and has been a constant presence visiting us here at the hospital, and his players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team. I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan."
What happened to Ethan Pritchard?
Pritchard was shot on Aug. 31 while visiting family in Havana, Florida, about 14 miles north of Florida State's campus. His father said his son was driving himself and his aunt back from a family gathering when the incident occurred.
According to the police report, it is believed the incident was a case of mistaken identity, as Pritchard was driving a similar vehicle that the shooters were targeting. All four suspects have been arrested in the shooting.
The linebacker was sedated in intensive care for over a month, and Pritchard recently was able to open his eyes and move parts of his body as he was taken off a form of life support. He can now largely breathing on his own, and Florida State said he is "alert, responsive and able to communicate." His father previously said he was able to watch the Seminoles' contest against Miami on Oct. 4.
"I can’t say enough about the support we have received from our hometown and all of Seminole County," Earl Pritchard said. "My heart is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many people, and I’m so appreciative for every single one of you. Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all who have been impacted by his story.”
Ethan was a 3-star recruit in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 507 player nationally and No. 54 linebacker, according to 247Sports' Composite rankings. He didn't appear in the Florida State's season-opening win over Alabama the day prior to the shooting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FSU's Ethan Pritchard released from hospital month after shooting
Category: General Sports
