FSU’s Ethan Pritchard released from hospital after being shot in the head

Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was released from the hospital Thursday, nearly six weeks after he was shot in the neck while driving his aunt home.

In a statement, Florida State said Pritchard was alert, responsive and able to communicate. He is being transferred from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage of his recovery.

On a video posted to Instagram Stories by quarterback Tommy Castellanos, the entire FSU team cheered for Pritchard as he was carried on a stretcher out of the hospital for the trip to Jacksonville.

“We are grateful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,” the school said in a statement.

Pritchard was shot and killed Aug. 31 in what authorities described as a case of mistaken identity. He was dropping off his aunt and a child after a family celebration in Havana, Florida, about 16 miles from Tallahassee near the Georgia state line.

Four people were arrested last month in connection with the shooting.

“I am so grateful to everyone who prayed for my son,” said Earl Pritchard, Ethan’s father. “There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past 39 days, and it’s remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked Florida State coach Mike Norvell for his daily check-in and constant presence at the hospital.

“His players and staff continued to make us feel part of the team,” Earl Pritchard said. “I cannot fully express how much these moments meant to me and Ethan.”

Earl Pritchard also thanked the sports medicine staff at the hospital and Florida State, as well as the staff at Seminole High in Sanford, Fla., where Ethan played, for their support.

“I also want to thank Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and the FDLE for their hard work and dedication to obtaining justice for Ethan,” said Earl Pritchard. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support for so many, and I am so grateful to each and every one of you.

“Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all those who have been touched by his story.”