Florida State University is grappling with a serious incident involving freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who was shot Sunday night in Havana, Florida. The young athlete is currently in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. This unfortunate event took place while he was visiting family, about 16 miles from the university in Tallahassee.
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office confirmed details surrounding the shooting, stating that Pritchard was seated in a vehicle outside an apartment complex when gunfire erupted. An investigation is underway, though specifics about the circumstances remain scarce at this time.
Pritchard, who just enrolled at Florida State in January, did not participate in the Seminoles’ recent season opener against Alabama. Coach Mike Norvell addressed the incident during his weekly news conference on Monday, highlighting the emotional weight of the situation. “It’s obviously an extremely tragic event for the young man,” Norvell noted. He expressed gratitude for the medical care Pritchard has received, affirming the team’s solidarity, saying, “Our football team, coaches, family are all here to support them.” Coach Norvell underscored the importance of community support by stating, “We’re praying for all parts of him and the journey that’s ahead.” He emphasized appreciation for the community’s outreach and goodwill during this difficult time.
The Florida State athletic program released a formal statement addressing Pritchard’s condition, reiterating that he is in critical but stable condition. The statement also conveyed the family’s appreciation for the support they’ve received and requested privacy as they cope with this challenging situation. They are thankful for the timely response from first responders and medical professionals. Further updates about Pritchard’s recovery will be shared as they become available.
Pritchard hails from Sanford, Florida, where he gained recognition as a promising football talent before taking the next step in his athletic career by joining the Seminoles. His entry into college football comes after a series of seasons marked by ups and downs for the Florida State program, which recently celebrated a significant victory over Alabama, surprising many observers with a 31-17 win. Before this incident, Pritchard’s inclusion in the team was anticipated as part of the Seminoles’ rebuilding effort, following a season where they ended without a playoff berth despite securing the ACC title.
As Florida State navigates this difficult moment, the hope remains that Pritchard will recover fully and that the community will continue to rally around him and his family. Fans, teammates, and officials cling to optimism during this trying period, reinforcing the bonds that unite them in adversity.
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