Ethan Pritchard health update: Mike Norvell defines Florida State LB in 'critical state' after being shot in head

The Florida State Seminoles saw their season marred by a tragedy when freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot while visiting family. He has since been in the hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition.

On Wednesday, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell shared the latest on Ethan Pritchard’s condition. He explained that there has been some progress, but it’s slow. In the meantime, the focus remains on Pritchard’s health and his family.

“Nothing more than he’s progressing but still in a critical state,” Mike Norvell said. “I got to go see him on Monday for a short while. Talked to his dad this morning before practice. Staying up multiple times a day just trying to stay connected. Just continuing to pray for him.”

Earlier in the day on Wednesday, it was reported that three people were arrested for the shooting. Names of the accused have not yet been released. However, a press conference is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. 

“We’re grateful for all the work that’s been done with everybody involved,” Norvell said. “With the medical staff. With the police department and their pursuit. We’re grateful for all things that have been done in regards to helping with the situation with Ethan.” 

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30th. That was just a day after the Florida State upset over Alabama. Pritchard had been attending a family function. He would actually be driving his aunt home when he was shot in the back of the head near the Havana Heights Apartment. That’s around 25 minutes from campus.

Ethan Pritchard would be transported to the hospital. There, he has been listed in critical but stable condition. The hope is that over the coming days and weeks, he can continue to see his condition improve. Through all of it, Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father, has been asking for prayers for his son.

“Just ask the community and everybody for their prayers,” he told WFTV-9 on Monday, according to ESPN. “He was actually in the car taking my sister around the corner to her daughter’s house to drop her off. They turned the corner, and as soon as they turned the corner, they heard gunshots.”

Ethan Pritchard came to Florida State as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2025. A native of Sanford, Florida, he played his high school football at Seminole. He was the 555th-ranked recruit overall and the 61st-ranked linebacker in that recruiting class.