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One month ago, freshman Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard‘s entire life changed. Pritchard, a Sanford native, was the victim of a shooting while visiting family in Havana, Florida.
Pritchard was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery after being shot in the head. On Thursday, Pritchard was finally released from the hospital, and the Seminoles showed up in droves to support him.
Mike Norvell and FSU’s entire team greet Ethan Pritchard and family as he leaves TMH to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4LMZiPuaSW
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) October 9, 2025
Mike Norvell And Florida State Seminoles Show Support For Ethan Pritchard
“I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,” Earl Pritchard said. “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 … 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.”
After a month in the hospital, Pritchard is alert, responsive, and able to communicate. The entire Florida State team was there to celebrate Pritchard’s leaving. He will now be transferred to a rehab center where he will hopefully work his way back to full strength.
“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 school said in a statement.
Florida State’s season has taken a turn of late, losing its last two games to Virginia and Miami. But Pritchard’s release from the hospital and recovery could be just the rally point Mike Norvell’s team needs.