Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is in stable condition after being injured in a Havana, Florida, shooting on Sunday night.
Pritchard’s father, Earl Pritchard, told WFTV that his son was shot in the back of the head outside an apartment complex while driving his aunt home from a family gathering. Pritchard was removed from his vehicle prior to EMS arriving on the scene and then transported to a local hospital. According to his father, doctors are waiting for the swelling in Pritchard’s head to subside before they assess the damage from the gunshot.
Florida state coach Mike Norvell told reporters he had a chance to visit Pritchard in the hospital earlier this week.
«It’s a lot, not going to say it’s not,» Norvell said, via ESPN. «I try to give the players a daily update. … I was able to go by yesterday for a short period of time with limited visitation, just getting a chance to be there for a handful of minutes. It was good to be with him.
«He’s still in stable condition. … We are absolutely praying for him every day and trying to be there for our players, too. Yes, it’s one thing on the field, but it’s also off the field, that’s one of their brothers and a guy they deeply care about. Just working through this part of the tragedy of what it is.»
Pritchard recently suited up in Florida State’s stunning season-opening upset over Alabama in Week 1 but did not play any snaps for the Seminoles.
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Pritchard was a three-star prospect in Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. The freshman linebacker originally committed to the Seminoles in October 2023 during his senior season at Seminole High School, where he compiled 39 tackles and seven tackles for loss in nine games.
«The Pritchard Family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals, and asks that their privacy be respected at this time. Further updates will be provided as they are available,» FSU said in a statement.
