Florida State Football Star Hospitalized After Shooting in Horrifying Mistaken Identity
Florida State Linebacker Ethan Pritchard Hospitalized After Shooting
By Daniel Matthews, US Senior Sports Writer
Updated: 14:35 BST, 1 September 2025
Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was hospitalized Sunday night following a shooting near Tallahassee, believed to be a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after the Seminoles’ season-opening upset victory over Alabama.
Pritchard, 19, was driving a family member home in Havana, Florida—16 miles northeast of Tallahassee—when his vehicle was targeted around 10 p.m. local time. According to the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, first responders found Pritchard wounded inside the car and rushed him to a hospital for emergency surgery. His current condition remains undisclosed.
[Image: Ethan Pritchard in FSU uniform | Caption: Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard was hospitalized after a shooting Sunday night.]
Authorities confirmed the investigation is ongoing but suspect mistaken identity as the motive. “Officers arrived, extracted him from the vehicle, and EMS transported him to a local hospital,” Captain Anglie Holmes told WCTV. No arrests have been made.
The shooting cast a shadow over FSU’s triumphant 31-17 win against Alabama on Saturday. Pritchard, a promising recruit who joined the team in December 2024, did not play in the game. Teammates and coaches were reportedly shaken by the news.
[Image: FSU players celebrating during the Alabama game | Caption: The Seminoles defeated Alabama 31-17 in their season opener.]
Devin Rispress, FSU’s director of recruiting, shared a Facebook post Monday urging prayers for Pritchard: “Keep Ethan and his family in your thoughts. We’re all praying for his recovery.”
Pritchard, a Sanford native, was a four-star recruit and ranked among the top linebackers in the 2025 class. His absence leaves a gap in FSU’s defense as they prepare for their next game against Miami.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell released a brief statement: “Our focus is supporting Ethan and his family. We ask for privacy during this time.”
[Image: Police tape at a crime scene | Caption: Authorities are investigating the shooting as a case of mistaken identity.]
The Seminoles’ community has rallied on social media, with #PrayForPritchard trending nationally. The university plans to provide counseling for athletes and staff.
This incident highlights growing concerns about athlete safety off the field. FSU has not yet announced if Pritchard will return this season. Updates on his condition are expected later this week.
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