Florida State Seminoles freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was the victim of a shooting Sunday night and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The university confirmed that the young athlete, who is in the intensive care unit at a Tallahassee-area hospital, is receiving ongoing medical care.

According to information provided by the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the shooting occurred in the town of Havana, Florida, about 26 kilometers from Tallahassee, very close to the Georgia border. Pritchard was inside a vehicle parked outside an apartment complex when the shots were fired.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and did not offer further details about possible suspects or a motive for the attack.

Florida State Reactions and Messages of Support

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell explained during his weekly press conference on Monday that he was with Pritchard's family at the hospital. "It's obviously an extremely tragic event for the young man," Norvell said. “I appreciate all the medical support he was able to receive. Our football team, coaches, and family are here to support him. We are praying for him and his journey ahead. We definitely appreciate the support we feel from the entire community.”

The university also issued a statement, noting that Ethan Pritchard was visiting family at the time of the incident. In the statement, the Pritchard family expressed their gratitude to those who have shown solidarity and acknowledged the work of the first responders and medical professionals. They also requested respect for their privacy as they navigate this difficult time.

A native of Sanford, Florida, Pritchard arrived at Florida State in January. Although he did not play in the season opener, in which the Seminoles defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide, he emerged as one of the young prospects in the football program.