September 5, 2025

In a shocking incident that has shaken both the Florida State University football family and the small town of Havana, Florida, freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot in the back of the head on Sunday night, September 1. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound player was driving his aunt home from a family gathering near the Havana Heights Apartments when the shooting happened, explained his father Earl Pritchard. "They turned the corner, and as soon as they turned the corner, they heard gunshots," Earl told WFTV. Ethan was found wounded inside the car and rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit. His father said doctors are closely monitoring swelling in his head. Florida State confirmed the news and has asked for privacy during this tough time for the family. Head coach Mike Norvell visited the hospital to show support and shared with reporters, "It’s a lot, not going to say it’s not. He’s still in stable condition. We are absolutely praying for him every day and trying to be there for our players, too. That’s one of their brothers, and a guy they deeply care about." Norvell has been giving daily updates to the team, who are rallying around Ethan and his family, despite limited hospital visitation rules. "Just being there for a handful of minutes matters," the coach added. Ethan had enrolled at Florida State in 2025 but had not yet played in the season opener against Alabama. Coaches expected him to contribute more as the season progressed and he adapted to college football. Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooting is being handled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office. No arrests have been made, and no suspects or possible motives have been revealed publicly. Community leaders in Havana are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring clarity to this disturbing case. This incident leaves fans and community members hoping and praying for Ethan’s swift recovery while waiting on answers to the mystery behind this violent act.

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Tags: Ethan pritchard, Fsu, Shooting, Football, Havana florida, Hospital,