Mike Norvell delivers heartfelt message on Ethan Pritchard after shooting, hospitalization

The Florida State Seminoles received tragic news over Sunday night. Freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was hospitalized following a shooting.

In the wake of that tragedy, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell shared a heartfelt message on Pritchard and the situation. He also shared that he did go and meet with Pritchard’s family following the shooting.

“Just want to first start off,” Mike Norvell said. “I know just thoughts and prayers with Ethan Pritchard and his family. It’s obviously an extremely just tragic event for the young man. I got a chance to be there last night with him and his dad and family, and grateful for all the support and medical support that he was able to receive. Our football team, coaches, family, we’re all here to support them, and it’s absolutely believing and praying for all parts of him and the journey that’s ahead, but definitely appreciate the support from everybody in the community that we feel, and just continue to be with him.”

Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young shared that the shooting occurred just before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night in Havana, Florida. At the time, Ethan Pritchard had been visiting family there. He was found wounded inside of a vehicle when first responders arrived. An investigation is now underway.

Mike Norvell also shared that he has met with the team to keep them updated on the situation. There are also resources available to players who need them.

“So, this morning I was there in the hospital until early hours, and through Ethan’s dad, he gave me the opportunity to be able to share a little bit of where things were, and then we had an opportunity to gather with the team this morning just to give them an update and a perspective on where that is,” Norvell said.

“Like I said, we’re grateful for all of the resources around our players. I’m grateful for their hearts. They love this family that we get to be a part of. There was a lot of emotions, and I’ve got a lot of emotions through it. Being able to know that there’s great outlets here to support them through this, we’ll continue with that.”

Ethan Pritchard update: Florida State LB ‘critical but stable’ in hospital after shooting

In the wake of the tragic shooting, Florida State shared a statement on Ethan Pritchard. In it, they described him as being in critical but stable condition.

“Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker on Florida State’s football team, is in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound last night while visiting family in Havana, Florida,” the statement reads. “The Pritchard family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals, and asks that their privacy be respected at this time. Further updates will be provided as they are available.”

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