News Summary
Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker at Florida State University, has moved to a rehabilitation center following a serious injury from a shooting incident. His family expresses gratitude for the support he received during his hospitalization. The transfer marks a significant step in his recovery. Community support from FSU coaches and teammates has been vital in his healing journey. Legal proceedings are ongoing concerning the shooting incident, which was a case of mistaken identity, involving four suspects. Despite the challenges, the FSU community remains hopeful for Pritchard’s recovery.
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State University (FSU) freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard has transitioned to a rehabilitation facility following a severe injury sustained from a shooting incident on August 31, 2025. Pritchard was shot in the head while transporting his aunt and a child home after a family gathering in Havana, Florida. His move to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville marks a significant step in his recovery process.
Pritchard was released from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare after 39 days of treatment, during which he demonstrated signs of improvement, being alert, responsive, and able to communicate. The transfer has been met with relief and joy from his family, who have expressed gratitude for the care he received during his hospitalization. Support from the FSU football community has been notable, with coaches and teammates present during his departure from the hospital.
Throughout his recovery in the hospital, Pritchard received consistent visits from Coach Mike Norvell, who has been a steadfast presence in his healing journey. This supportive environment has played a crucial role in Pritchard’s physical and emotional recovery.
Despite Pritchard becoming part of the FSU football program, he has not participated in any games since joining due to the incident. The shooting, which officials believe to be a case of mistaken identity, has led to ongoing legal proceedings. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting and are facing accusations of attempted murder. Among the suspects, Jayden Bodison appeared in court, while the other three were represented by their attorneys. All four individuals are scheduled to return to court on November 6, 2025, and three of them have entered pleas of not guilty.
The involvement of law enforcement in this case points to the serious nature of the incident and its impact not only on Pritchard and his family but also on the FSU community as a whole. Authorities continue to investigate the events surrounding the shooting, which have shocked many given the unexpected turn of violence in what was intended to be a familial gathering.
Pritchard’s journey, marked by both physical challenges and emotional hurdles, has rallied support from family, friends, teammates, and fans alike. His father, Earl Pritchard, has thanked the medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the FSU community for their unwavering support during this difficult time. As Pritchard embarks on this next phase of rehabilitation, FSU has called for continued support for him and his family, acknowledging the long road ahead in his recovery.
Prior to joining FSU, Ethan Pritchard was a standout player at Seminole High School, where he gained recognition for his athletic performance. His transition to college football was highly anticipated, and the recent events have deeply affected his family and the broader football community.
Efforts to raise awareness for Pritchard and support his recovery are ongoing, as the narrative of this unfortunate event continues to unfold. The entire FSU community remains hopeful for his continued progress and healing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Four Arrested in Shooting of FSU Freshman Linebacker
Tragic Shooting at Florida State University
Four Arrested in Shooting Incident Involving FSU Football Player
University Football Player in Critical Condition After Shooting
Florida State University Linebacker Shot: Four Arrested
Florida State University Freshman Shot in Ambush Incident
Florida State Freshman Linebacker Injured in Shooting
Additional Resources
- WTXL: FSU Linebacker Out of Hospital
- CNN: Ethan Pritchard Shot Released from Hospital
- Orlando Sentinel: Ethan Pritchard Alert and Responsive
- New York Times: Ethan Pritchard Florida State Hospital
- Tallahassee.com: Ethan Pritchard Released from Hospital
- Wikipedia: Ethan Pritchard
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard shooting
- Google Scholar: Ethan Pritchard football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Ethan Pritchard
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
