News Summary
Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker at Florida State University, has been released from the hospital after recovering from a gunshot wound. Shot in the back of the head in a case of mistaken identity, Pritchard spent a month in recovery, during which he received support from the FSU community and his family. With four arrests made related to the shooting, the investigation continues as Pritchard transitions to rehabilitation in Jacksonville and his family expresses gratitude for the help during this challenging time.
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State University (FSU) freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Thursday after recovering from a gunshot wound. Pritchard was shot in the back of the head on August 31 while driving his aunt home in Havana, Florida. Authorities suspect that the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, as Pritchard was driving a vehicle that resembled the one intended for the actual target.
In connection with the shooting, local law enforcement has made four arrests, and the investigation into the event continues. Following his discharge from the hospital, Pritchard will continue his recovery at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida. The FSU Seminoles released a statement indicating that Ethan is alert, responsive, and able to communicate.
Teammates and coaching staff at FSU celebrated Pritchard’s release, applauding him as he was wheeled out of the hospital. Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father, expressed immense gratitude for the support from the Seminoles community, specifically acknowledging head coach Mike Norvell for his daily visits during Ethan’s hospitalization. Earl shared feelings of gratitude towards the doctors, nurses, and everyone involved in Ethan’s recovery journey, emphasizing the importance of continued prayers and support as Ethan navigates a challenging recovery.
During his month-long recovery in the hospital, Pritchard was initially placed in intensive care and sedated. Over time, he has shown signs of improvement, such as being able to open his eyes and communicate. Prior to the shooting, Pritchard was unable to participate in FSU’s season-opening win against Alabama, marking a significant moment in his football career.
Pritchard, who was a 3-star recruit in the 2025 class, had gained recognition as the No. 507 player nationally and No. 54 linebacker according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Before joining FSU, he had a successful high school football career at Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida, earning acclaim for his skills on the field.
The incident has raised concerns within the community, highlighting potential issues surrounding public safety and the impact of gun violence. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Pritchard as he embarks on the next phase of his recovery.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- CNN
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard shooting
- ESPN
- Google Scholar: Gun violence impact
- CBS Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Fox News
- Google News: Florida State football 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.
