Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital nearly six weeks after a gunshot wound to the back of his head, marking a major step in his recovery.
The 18-year-old, injured in a drive-by shooting on Aug. 31 while driving family home in Havana, Florida, was moved Thursday to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville for ongoing care. FSU confirmed Pritchard is alert, responsive, and able to communicate, noting his steady progress inspires the program.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos shared a video on Instagram Stories showing teammates cheering as Pritchard was wheeled out. The clip quickly spread online, drawing support from FSU alumni and college football fans.
“We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts, and prayers of so many and ask you to continue supporting Ethan and his family,” Florida State said. The school credited Tallahassee Memorial Hospital staff, Tallahassee Neurological Clinic, Southern Medical Group, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, and FSU’s sports medicine for Pritchard’s care.
Authorities said the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Investigators reported Pritchard was dropping off his aunt and a child after a family cookout when another vehicle opened fire. Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said four suspects were arrested: three for attempted murder and shooting into a vehicle, and one for violating probation.
Pritchard’s father, Earl, thanked the medical staff, community support, and prayers during nearly 40 days of uncertainty. “I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,” he said. “These 39 days had many ups and downs, and it is remarkable we could leave the hospital together today.”
He praised specific doctors and staff. “I want to thank Dr. Albert Lee and his team, the ECMO team, and the third- and fourth-floor nurses at TMH for their care and expertise,” Earl said. “Coach [Mike] Norvell checked in daily and visited us, and his players and staff kept us feeling part of the team. I can’t fully express how much that meant to us.”
Norvell, who often spoke about Pritchard’s resilience at press conferences, called the linebacker’s improvement “a miracle in progress.” He credited the athletic family and broader Seminole community for rallying behind the Pritchards during “one of the toughest situations a family can face.”
Support extended beyond football. Earl Pritchard thanked Seminole County residents, where Ethan starred at Seminole High in Sanford, for rallying around them. “My heart is full of gratitude for the support from so many,” he said. “Ethan has a long journey, but I know he’ll keep fighting with the support of our FSU and Seminole County families.”
Though rehabilitation will take months, doctors say Pritchard’s responsiveness and determination are encouraging. For a football program closely following his recovery, Thursday’s departure was more than a milestone—it was a powerful reminder of resilience, community, and faith in the face of adversity.
