FSU’s Ethan Pritchard out of hospital after being shot in head

Florida State freshman linebacker ethan pritchard He was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly six weeks after he was shot in the back of the head while driving his aunt home.

In a statement, Florida State said Pritchard is alert, responsive and able to communicate. He is being moved from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next phase of his recovery.

On a video posted by the quarterback on Instagram Stories tommy castellanosThe entire FSU team cheered as Pritchard was taken out of the hospital on a stretcher for the trip to Jacksonville.

“We are grateful 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 school said in a statement.

Pritchard was shot Aug. 31 in what authorities have called a case of mistaken identity. He was dropping off his aunt and a child after a family party in Havana, Florida, about 16 miles from Tallahassee near the Georgia state line.

Four people were arrested last month in connection with the shooting.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has prayed for my son,” said Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father. “There have been a lot of ups and downs these past 39 days, and it’s remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell for checking in every day and being a constant presence in the hospital.

“Their players and staff continue to make us feel like a part of the team,” Earl Pritchard said. “I can’t fully express how much those moments mean to me and Ethan.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked the hospital and Florida State sports medicine staff for their support, as well as the staff at Seminole High in Sanford, Florida, where Ethan played.

“I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to bringing Ethan to justice,” said Earl Pritchard. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the support of so many people, and I appreciate each and every one of you so much.

“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 everyone who has been impacted by his story.”