FSU’s Ethan Pritchard is released from the hospital after being shot in the head
Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly six weeks after he was shot in the back of the head while driving his aunt’s car home.
Florida State said in a statement that Prichard is alert, responsive and able to communicate. He will be transferred from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Brooks Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville for the next phase of his recovery.
In a video posted to Instagram Stories by quarterback Tommy Castellanos, the entire FSU team cheered for Pritchard as he was carried on a stretcher out of the hospital for the trip to Jacksonville.
“We are grateful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,” the school said in a statement.
Pritchard was shot on August 31 in what authorities called a case of mistaken identity. He was dropping off his aunt and child after a family party in Havana, Florida, about 16 miles from Tallahassee, near the Georgia state border.
Four people were arrested last month in connection with the shooting.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who prayed for my son,” said Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father. “There have been a lot of ups and downs over these past 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”
Earl Pritchard also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell for checking in every day and being a constant presence at the hospital.
“His players and staff continued to make us feel part of the team,” Earl Pritchard said. “I cannot fully express how important those moments were to me and Ethan.”
Earl Pritchard also thanked the hospital, the Florida State sports medicine staff, and the staff at Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla., where Ethan played, for the support.
“I would also like to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Maurice Young and FDLE for their hard work and dedication to getting justice for Ethan,” said Earl Pritchard. “My heart is full of gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many people, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
“Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will keep fighting and he will do so with the full support of NFL families, Seminole County families and all those touched by his story.”