(HAVANA, Fla.) — A Florida State University freshman linebacker was shot and critically wounded Sunday night while visiting family in Havana, Florida, just one day after the team’s stunning victory over the University of Alabama.
Ethan Pritchard was found by Gadsden County Sheriff’s deputies near Havana Heights Apartments, authorities said. He was rushed to a local hospital where he remained in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit.
The shooting came amid celebrations following Florida State’s historic 31-17 upset over No. 8 Alabama on Saturday. The win marked Alabama’s first non-conference regular-season road loss in 20 years.
“The Pritchard family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals,” Florida State officials said in a statement Monday.
The family has requested privacy as Pritchard recovers.
Pritchard did not play in Saturday’s victory at Doak Campbell Stadium, where the Seminoles dominated the heavily favored Crimson Tide.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken the lead in the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact FDLE or Investigator DeLeon at 850-627-9233. Tips can also be submitted through Big Bend Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS or via their P3 Mobile App.
Coco Gauff of the United States reacts against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day Three of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2025. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(NEW YORK) — American tennis star Coco Gauff survived a grueling three-set first-round match at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
She closed out a service hold at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium to take the match in two hours and 57 minutes, advancing to the next round.
“It was a tough match. I had chances for it to be straight sets, but Ajla [Tomljanović] was tough,” she said of her Australian opponent. “I wasn’t the best but yeah, I am happy to get through to the next round.”
The No. 3-ranked women’s singles star struggled with her serve all night and dropped the second set in a tiebreak, then rallied in the final set to win 6-4, 6-7, 7-5.
The 2023 U.S. Open champion had the home turf crowd behind her all the way through the decisive final set.
“I feel like it’s in the right direction, and I think for me it’s trying not to go back to old habits in those tighter moments,” Gauff said after the match.