GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – The Gadsden County Sheriff and Florida leaders accompanied FSU linebacker Ethan Pritchard as he joined FSU’s last home game Saturday, per a GCSO press release.
GCSO Sheriff Morris A. Young was among many who welcomed Pritchard back to Doak Campbell Stadium following his release from Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville.
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“Seeing Ethan join his teammates on the field is a powerful reminder to us all of how precious life is,” Young said. “Our community was shaken by this senseless act of violence, but today we celebrate Ethan’s remarkable story of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.”
According to the press release, Pritchard plans on returning to study at FSU in the spring semester and hopes to pick up his linebacker position with the FSU Seminoles in the 2026 season.
“Since the tragic events of that day, I have had the privilege of visiting with Ethan and his father throughout his recovery process, which continues today. I’m truly inspired by his positive determination to not let this tragic event stand in the way of accomplishing his future goals of returning to FSU for his studies and the sport he loves.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and FSU President Richard McCullough were at the FSU game to wish Pritchard well, per the release.
Pritchard’s release from rehab came a little over two months after his car was ambushed by a spray of gunfire while driving two family members, including a 3-year-old, home from a cookout.
All four suspects have been ordered not to be released on bond, according the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.(Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
Four people have been arrested following the incident and GCSO said they were involved in another shooting in Havana five days prior.
The last home game resulted in a win for the Florida State Seminoles over Virginia Tech, with Ethan Pritchard watching from along the sidelines. After the game, they greeted Pritchard with hugs and well-wishes
Pritchard also attended FSU football practice on Friday, a day before FSU’s last home game.
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