The Florida State athletic department sent out an email Thursday afternoon announcing that freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard has been released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is being moved to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage in his recovery process.
Pritchard, who played high school football at Sanford’s Seminole High, is recovering from a gunshot wound suffered on the night of Aug. 31. Pritchard was visiting family in nearby Havana and was giving his aunt and young cousin a ride from the gathering when the vehicle he was driving was ambushed with gunfire.
Pritchard was shot in the back of the head and medical personnel eventually arrived and rushed him to TMH. He had surgery that night and doctors monitored him for several weeks, concerned about fluid around his brain.
In the release Thursday, FSU officials said: “Ethan is alert, responsive and able to communicate. We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues.”
The release also included a statement from Ethan’s father Earl Pritchard:
“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son. 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. I want to especially thank Dr. Albert Lee and his team, the ECMO team and the nurses on the third and fourth floors at TMH for the care and medical expertise they have provided Ethan. 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. The Florida State Sports Medicine staff has provided consistent communication and collaboration with the wonderful doctors at TMH.
“I can’t say enough about the support we have received from our hometown and all of Seminole County. Coach Karl Calhoun and Seminole High School have created a tremendous support system for me, and I’m truly thankful for the culture we’re part of. I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to pursuing justice for Ethan. 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.”
Calhoun, who coached Pritchard during his time at Seminole High, was reached by the Sentinel via text message and replied, “Just very happy for him, his family and everyone involved that loves and cares about him. Ready to see his progression and continue to see him push forward. We are all behind him! #EPSTRONG”
Four people — Carson Miller, Germany Atkins, Jayden Bodison and a 16-year-old juvenile — were arrested Sept. 10 for the shooting. Miller, Bodison and the juvenile face charges of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle, while Atkins was charged with a probation violation. The shooting is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity.
Pritchard has not played in a game at FSU. During his career at Seminole High, Pritchard played in 28 games at linebacker and had 161 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception and two fumble recoveries. He was named First Team All-Area by the Sentinel last year.
Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.
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