sports and game - In a shocking development that has rattled the college football community, Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is fighting for his life after being shot Sunday night in Havana...
, Florida, approximately 16 miles from Tallahassee.
According to the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred while Pritchard was in a vehicle outside an apartment building. The freshman, who enrolled at FSU in January 2025, was visiting family at the time of the shooting. He was immediately transported to a Tallahassee-area hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition in intensive care.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell addressed the situation during his Monday news conference, demonstrating visible emotion while discussing the tragic event. Norvell confirmed he spent Sunday night at the hospital with Pritchard's family, highlighting the close-knit nature of the FSU football program.
Pritchard, a native of Sanford, Florida, was part of FSU's highly-touted 2025 recruiting class. While he didn't see action in the Seminoles' season-opening victory against Alabama, he was considered a promising prospect for the program's future.
The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and security measures for student-athletes, particularly when they're away from campus. The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is conducting an ongoing investigation, though details about potential suspects or motives have not been released.
The FSU athletic department has mobilized support resources for both Pritchard's family and his teammates. The university's statement emphasized the family's gratitude for the community's support while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
This incident comes at a time when FSU football was riding high following their impressive victory over Alabama, adding a sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers that can affect student-athletes off the field.
According to the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred while Pritchard was in a vehicle outside an apartment building. The freshman, who enrolled at FSU in January 2025, was visiting family at the time of the shooting. He was immediately transported to a Tallahassee-area hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition in intensive care.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell addressed the situation during his Monday news conference, demonstrating visible emotion while discussing the tragic event. Norvell confirmed he spent Sunday night at the hospital with Pritchard's family, highlighting the close-knit nature of the FSU football program.
Pritchard, a native of Sanford, Florida, was part of FSU's highly-touted 2025 recruiting class. While he didn't see action in the Seminoles' season-opening victory against Alabama, he was considered a promising prospect for the program's future.
The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and security measures for student-athletes, particularly when they're away from campus. The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is conducting an ongoing investigation, though details about potential suspects or motives have not been released.
The FSU athletic department has mobilized support resources for both Pritchard's family and his teammates. The university's statement emphasized the family's gratitude for the community's support while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
This incident comes at a time when FSU football was riding high following their impressive victory over Alabama, adding a sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers that can affect student-athletes off the field.