News Summary
Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker for Florida State University, is in critical condition following a shooting incident in Tallahassee. The young athlete was reportedly shot in the head while driving, and medical professionals are closely monitoring his condition. The investigation into the shooting is being led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with no suspects currently identified. Head Coach Mike Norvell has expressed support for Pritchard’s family, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation.
Tallahassee: Florida State University Football Player in Critical Condition After Shooting
Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker for Florida State University (FSU), is currently in critical condition following a shooting incident that occurred near Tallahassee on Sunday night. The shooting took place while Pritchard was driving his aunt home from a family gathering.
The incident was reported to have happened near Havana Heights Apartments, approximately 25 minutes from FSU’s campus. Pritchard was struck in the back of the head and is being described as heavily sedated. Medical professionals at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital are closely monitoring his condition and assessing the damage inflicted by the gunshot, particularly focusing on swelling in his head.
A statement from Florida State University released on Monday confirmed that Pritchard is in “critical but stable” condition. His father, Earl Pritchard, is appealing to the community for prayers and support for his son during this troubling time.
Investigation Underway
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the shooting. As of now, no details regarding the shooter or the motive behind the attack have been disclosed. The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office is also involved and has confirmed that the shooting occurred while Pritchard was seated in his vehicle.
In addressing concerns about the investigation, a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office indicated that there is misinformation circulating online regarding a potential suspect. Authorities have conducted a canvassing of the area in efforts to locate witnesses and gather leads related to the incident.
Community Support and Background
FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell has expressed support for Pritchard and his family, describing the situation as an extremely tragic incident. Pritchard is a 6-foot-2, 224-pound linebacker who graduated from Seminole High School, where he was recognized for his skills and leadership on the football field. He was a three-star recruit and committed to FSU during his junior year.
Recently, Pritchard was seen on the sidelines during FSU’s victory against Alabama, although he did not play in the game. The athletic director at Seminole High School praised Pritchard’s character and extend heartfelt wishes for his swift recovery.
Continuing Investigation and Community Engagement
The investigation remains active as authorities diligently work to uncover the details surrounding the shooting incident. Community members are encouraged to provide any relevant information that could assist investigators in resolving this case.
The situation continues to evolve, and updates will be forthcoming as more information is made available. For now, the focus remains on Ethan Pritchard’s recovery and the efforts of law enforcement to bring clarity to this unfortunate event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida State Freshman Linebacker Injured in Shooting
Tallahassee Schools Resuming Normal Operations After Safety Incident
Tragedy Strikes at NFL Headquarters in Manhattan Shooting
Showcase Events for High School Baseball Players in Florida
Tallahassee School Hosts Summer ID Event for Baseball Talent
Florida State University Football Aims for a Strong 2025 Season
Florida State University Football’s Path to Recovery
FSU Student Faces Trauma After Campus Shooting
Active Shooter Incident at Florida State University
FSU Student Indicted for Mass Shooting at Student Union
Additional Resources
- WFTV: FSU Linebacker’s Father Asks Prayers
- My News 13: FSU Linebacker in Intensive Care
- ESPN: FSU Freshman Ethan Pritchard Stable After Shooting
- People: Critically Injured FSU Player
- Click Orlando: FSU Player Ethan Pritchard Shot
- Wikipedia: Florida State Seminoles Football
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard FSU football shooting
- Google Scholar: Florida State University football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Google News: Ethan Pritchard shooting
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.
