From ecstasy to agony in a matter of seconds.
On a day when they should be celebrating an amazing victory over powerhouse Alabama, the Seminole Nation was stunned to hear that one of its own, freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard from Seminole High School, had been shot while transporting his aunt to her daughter’s home in nearby Havanna, 16 miles north of Tallahassee.
Pritchard, who did not play in Sunday’s game, was attending a family gathering in Havana when he was asked to drop off his aunt at her daughter’s home.
According to Pritchard’s father, Earl Pritchard, in an interview with WFTV in Orlando, the car Ethan was driving turned a corner and they heard gunshots, one of which hit Ethan in the back of the head.
According to many reports, Pritchard’s vehicle was mistaken for another person’s car.
He was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and following surgery was in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. He is being monitored for brain swelling.
An investigation into the shooting by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.
Ethan’s coach at Seminole, Karl Calhoun Jr., has set up a gofundme page on behalf of Earl Pritchard with all proceeds to go towards the medical expenses, travel and other needs of Ethan and as of late Wednesday night had raised $68,835 from 789 donators.
“Ethan is cherished by so many — from his hometown of Sanford to fans and friends across the entire state,” Calhoun posted on the gofundme page. “During this unimaginable time, we are asking for your support. All funds raised will go directly toward helping Ethan and his family with medical expenses, travel, and the many needs that arise as they navigate this heartbreaking journey. Your generosity, prayers, and love mean more than words can express.”
Go to _ https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-fsu-player-ethan-pritchard _ to donate.
Seminole High School Athletic Director Woody Cox posted on the shsnolessports.com website.
“Ethan Pritchard is an amazing young man who represents everything Seminole High School hopes for in our student-athletes,” said Cox. “Beyond his athletic talents, what makes Ethan truly special is his outstanding character, leadership, and integrity.
He leads with kindness, treats others with respect, and sets an example for his teammates and peers every single day. On behalf of our entire Seminole community, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ethan and his family during this challenging time. We are all rooting for his full and speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him back stronger than ever.”
