Breaking News: Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Issues Heartbreaking Update on Brian Battie, Player Hospitalized in Florida Shooting

Auburn running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in Sarasota, Florida. On Monday afternoon, Tigers coach Hugh Freeze posted an update on X, formerly known as Twitter, noting that Battie suffered a setback on Sunday.

“Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie,” Freeze wrote. “There was a setback last night and he’s still on a ventilator.”

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Battie was one of four victims hospitalized after the shooting. Battie’s older brother, Tommie Battie, was killed in the incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. ET.

Brian Battie, who primarily served as Auburn’s kick returner during his first season with the team in 2023, is entering his second year at Auburn after transferring from USF, where he played for three seasons.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Battie family. According to the campaign, Brian is in critical condition. The campaign, organized by Kelli Raines and Tanya Babinski, who are listed as godmothers to Tommie and Brian Battie, aims to raise $100,000. As of Monday afternoon, it has raised $61,968 from 541 donors.

The GoFundMe page states, “Brian Battie remains in critical condition at a local hospital. We know he will continue to fight and overcome this, just as he has overcome so many other obstacles in his life. Losing a child so unexpectedly is something unimaginable and something that will never be healed.

The family will never be the same without Pooh [Tommie Battie], and neither will anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. We ask that you continue to pray for Brian to make a full recovery to return home with his loving family. With all of the emotional pain and stress that tragedy brings, it also brings financial burdens.

We would like to raise money for the Battie family to help with unforeseen funeral expenses and medical bills. The family is understandably shocked by this loss and not prepared for all that is happening at this time.

“It is in times of sadness and loss when people can come together to help one another make it through. Any support you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Please keep the entire Battie family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of heartbreak. Thank you in advance for your loving kindness.”