Ethan Pritchard health update: Florida State announces major change in LB's status following shooting

Florida State has released an additional update on freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who has been hospitalized since sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in late August. He has been released from the hospital and is being moved to a new rehab facility.

Pritchard has had several positive developments in recent days, including regaining movement in his arms. He’s also been able to turn his head and open his eyes.

“Ethan Pritchard has been released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is being moved to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage in his recovery process,” the statement read. “This remarkable milestone has been achieved under the supervision of medical staff from TMH, Tallahassee Neurological Clinic, Southern Medical Group and Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in consultation with Florida State’s Sports Medicine staff.

“Ethan is alert, responsive and able to communicate. We are thankful 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.”

Pritchard, a former three-star recruit who arrived for this season at FSU, was the victim of a shooting while he was in his car on the night of August 30th, after the opening win for the ‘Noles over Alabama, while visiting family in Havana, Florida. He was taken to a hospital in Tallahassee, where he underwent a procedure.

He was in critical but stable condition after being hit in the head. Officers in Gadsden County have since arrested four suspects in connection with the shooting, with Pritchard being a mistaken target in the incident due to the model of his car.

The tragic situation has left plenty in the Florida State community hoping for the best for Ethan Pritchard. Luckily, the news continues to be positive. His father, Earl Pritchard, also provided a statement to Warchant on Thursday.

“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,” the elder Pritchard wrote. “There have been a lot of ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”

Earl Pritchard thanked several parties, including the teams of medical folks who have tended to his son. He also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell, who has “checked in every day and has been a constant presence.”

“I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan,” Earl Pritchard wrote. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many people, and I’m so appreciative for every single one of you.

“Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all who have been impacted by his story.”