UPDATED BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Ethan Pritchard's family says they're overjoyed about the next step in his recovery. The FSU football player was shot on August 31, and after a long and challenging recovery, he's now headed to rehab in Jacksonville to continue healing.
I spoke with his aunt and uncle, who tell me the family is on their way right now — a moment they've been looking forward to for some time.
Thursday, Ethan Pritchard was transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, where he'll begin the next phase of his healing process. Hospital staff and members of the FSU football team were there to send him off.
Ethan's father shared through an FSU Athletics press release that the last 39 days have been filled with challenges, but he's thankful his son is strong enough to start rehab.
This comes after the legal case moved forward. Four suspects accused in connection with the shooting were before a judge in Gadsden County today. But only Jayden Bodison was in the courtroom, while the other three were represented by their attorneys.
All four are expected to return to court on November 6. Three of the four have entered not guilty pleas, and Bodison was appointed a public defender during today's hearing.
Investigators are still working to determine what led up to the shooting and the next court date could provide more details on how the case will progress.
As Ethan starts his rehabilitation in Jacksonville, the legal process against the four suspects accused in his shooting continues to unfold in Gadsden County.
The Pritchard Family sent this statement to ABC 27 about Ethan's release:
Today marks a deeply meaningful milestone. Ethan’s release from the hospital and the beginning of his next chapter on the road to recovery. This moment is one of gratitude, faith, and celebration for the strength he has shown and the grace that has sustained him.
Our focus today is entirely on Ethan’s progress, his continued healing, and the outpouring of love that has carried him and our family through the most difficult of days.
While court proceedings continue, we will not allow them to overshadow this moment of hope and renewal that we have all prayed for.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ethan’s incredible medical team, the staff at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the countless supporters near and far who have prayed, given, and stood with us every step of the way.
Today, we celebrate life. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate Ethan.
Original:
The Florida State University football program has released information on a player's recovery following a shooting.
FSU freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard has been released from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and is being moved to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville.
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According to a news release from the football program, Pritchard is alert, responsive and able to communicate. FSU said: "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."
The university athletics department also provided a statement from Pritchard's father, Earl:
“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son. 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. I want to especially thank Dr. Albert Lee and his team, the ECMO team and the nurses on the third and fourth floors at TMH for the care and medical expertise they have provided Ethan. Coach Norvell has checked in every day and has been a constant presence visiting us here at the hospital, and his players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team. I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan. The Florida State Sports Medicine staff has provided consistent communication and collaboration with the wonderful doctors at TMH.
I can’t say enough about the support we have received from our hometown and all of Seminole County. Coach Karl Calhoun and Seminole High School have created a tremendous support system for me, and I’m truly thankful for the culture we’re part of. I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to pursuing justice for Ethan. 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.”
On August 31st, 2025, Pritchard was shot in the head while giving his aunt a ride home in Havana. Four people have been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting.
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