News Summary
Ethan Pritchard, a linebacker for Florida State University, is in critical but stable condition after being shot in Tallahassee, Florida. The incident occurred when he was outside an apartment complex following a family gathering. Pritchard has undergone treatment as authorities investigate the shooting, which may be a case of mistaken identity. Four individuals have been arrested in relation to the incident. The football community has rallied around Pritchard and his family, providing support and raising funds to assist with medical expenses.
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State Seminoles linebacker Ethan Pritchard remains in critical but stable condition after being shot in the back of the head on Sunday night. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. local time while Pritchard was outside an apartment complex in Tallahassee, Florida, after driving his aunt home from a family gathering in nearby Havana.
Following the shooting, Pritchard was rushed to a local hospital where he is currently being treated. His father, Earl Pritchard, confirmed that Ethan is sedated and that medical personnel are monitoring his condition, particularly the swelling in his brain, before they assess any potential damage.
Investigation and Arrests
The shooting is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities believe the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity. As a result of the ongoing investigation, four individuals have been arrested: Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller, Germany Atkins, and a minor. They are facing serious charges including attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Pritchard’s Football Career
Pritchard, a four-star recruit who committed to Florida State University in October 2023, was a standout player at Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida. Although he did not participate in FSU’s season opener against Alabama just a day before the shooting, he had been actively involved in team activities during the season.
Community Support
The football community and fans have shown overwhelming support for Pritchard and his family during this challenging time. His jersey was honored at a recent game, and a fundraising campaign has been established to help cover his medical expenses. The initiative has raised more than $130,000 to date, demonstrating the solidarity of the FSU community.
Head coach Mike Norvell has maintained close communication with the Pritchard family, providing emotional support amid the crisis. The collective effort and concern from teammates, coaches, and fans highlight the impact Ethan has had on the community and the close-knit nature of college sports.
Request for Privacy
The Pritchard family has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time, while also requesting privacy as they navigate the challenges ahead.
As the investigation unfolds and Pritchard continues his recovery, the Florida State football community remains united in hope for his recovery and support for his family.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Florida State University Freshman Shot in Ambush Incident
Trial Delayed for FSU Student Accused in Campus Shooting
School Community Rallying Around Injured Linebacker
Surge in Gun Violence Alarms Tallahassee Residents
Four Arrested in Shooting of Florida State Linebacker
Florida State University Football Player in Critical Condition After Shooting
FSU Freshman in Critical Condition Following Shooting Incident
Florida State Freshman Linebacker Injured in Shooting
Tallahassee Schools Resuming Normal Operations After Safety Incident
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Four arrested in connection to shooting of Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Click Orlando: 3 arrests made in connection with shooting of FSU linebacker
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard
- ESPN: Florida State freshman Ethan Pritchard shot, hospitalized
- Google Scholar: Ethan Pritchard
- New York Post: Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard in critical condition after being shot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Orlando Sentinel: FSU football player Ethan Pritchard of Sanford reportedly shot
- Google News: FSU Football
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.
