Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is in stable condition after being shot in the head on Sunday night, his dad recently said.
Pritchard’s father, Earl Pritchard, told WFTV in Orlando that Ethan was driving himself and his aunt back from a family gathering in Havana, Florida, when the incident occurred. Earl also said doctors are waiting for the swelling to decrease before determining the wound damage.
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REQUIRED READING: Florida State freshman LB shot, hospitalized in ‘critical but stable’ condition
“He was actually in the car taking my sister around the corner to her daughter’s house to drop her off,” Earl told WFTV. “They turned the corner, and as soon as they turned the corner, they heard gunshots.”
An investigation into the matter is still ongoing by local officials in Florida.
Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Wednesday he visited Ethan in the hospital and has remained in contact with Earl.
“It’s a lot,” Norvell said. “I try to give the players a daily update. I talked to Ethan’s dad this morning. I try to check on them daily. I was able to go yesterday for a short period — limited visitation — but just being there was good,” Norvell told the media. “He’s still in stable condition. We’re praying for him every day. It’s about being there for our players, too, because that’s one of their brothers and they deeply care about him.””
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Ethan was a 3-star recruit in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 507 player nationally and No. 54 linebacker, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He didn’t appear in the Seminoles’ season-opening win over Alabama.
Florida State plays East Texas A&M on Saturday.
“We are going through the process,” Norvell said. “He’s got all things that are in front, we are absolutely praying for him every day and trying to be there for our players too,” Norvell said. “Yes, it’s one thing on the field, but it’s also off the field. Just working through this part of the tragedy of what it is.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ethan Pritchard shot in head after driving back from family gathering
