In a shocking incident over the weekend, Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot while visiting family, leaving him in critical condition.
According to ESPN, on Sunday night, September 1, 2025, Pritchard was shot outside an apartment building in Havana, Florida, and is now in intensive care at a Tallahassee-area hospital, with an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
The incident unfolded late on Sunday, September 1, 2025, in Havana, a small town about 16 miles from Tallahassee, near the Georgia state line.
Pritchard, a native of Sanford, Florida, was in the area visiting family at the time of the shooting. He was inside a vehicle when the incident occurred, though specific details about what led to the shooting remain unclear. The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the event, but no further information has been released at this time.
Following the shooting, Pritchard was rushed to a hospital in the Tallahassee area, where he was admitted to intensive care. As of Monday, September 2, 2025, Florida State University reported that his condition is critical but stable. The university and medical staff are closely monitoring his progress as he receives treatment.
Pritchard, who enrolled at Florida State in January 2025, is a promising young athlete for the Seminoles. Although he did not play in the team’s season-opening victory against Alabama, his presence on the team has been felt by coaches and teammates alike. The university community has rallied around him during this difficult time, offering support to both Pritchard and his family.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell was at the hospital with Pritchard’s family on the night of the shooting, demonstrating the team’s commitment to their player. Norvell expressed deep concern for the young athlete, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He spoke about the outpouring of support from the community and the importance of standing together during this tragedy.
“It's obviously an extremely tragic event for the young man,” Norvell said in a statement. “Grateful for all the medical support he was able to receive. Our football team, coaches, family are all here to support them.” “We're praying for all parts of him and the journey that's ahead. Definitely appreciate the support from everybody in the community that we feel,” he added.
Florida State University also released a statement on behalf of the Pritchard family, expressing gratitude for the support they have received. “The Pritchard family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals,” the statement read. It also requested that their privacy be respected during this challenging period.
The shooting has raised many questions in the small town of Havana, where such incidents are rare. Authorities from the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Community members are eager for answers as the investigation continues to unfold.
The news of Pritchard’s shooting has sent shockwaves through the Florida State University community, where students and athletes alike are processing the event. Many are reflecting on the safety of their peers, especially those who travel to nearby areas to visit family or friends. The university is expected to provide updates on Pritchard’s condition as more information becomes available.
For now, the focus remains on Pritchard’s recovery and ensuring that he receives the best possible care in the hospital. His family, supported by the university and local community, is navigating this difficult time with hope for his improvement. The road ahead may be long, but the collective support surrounding Pritchard offers a glimmer of strength.
As the investigation progresses, both the university and the public await further details from the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain a mystery, leaving many to speculate about what happened that night in Havana. Until more is known, the community continues to pray for Pritchard’s health and well-being.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even for young athletes with bright futures ahead. Florida State University and its supporters are united in their hope for Pritchard’s recovery and a resolution to the investigation. As updates emerge, the focus will remain on supporting one of their own through this unimaginable ordeal.