Brian Battie suffers setback in recovery, according to Auburn coach

Auburn University football Head Coach Hugh Freeze has offered an update on Sarasota's Brian Battie, a running back for the college, who along with his brother, Tommie Battie IV, and four others was the victim of a shooting around 3:30 a.m. May 18 near the 3400 block of 17th Street. 

In a message posted Monday on social platform X (formerly Twitter), Freeze said Battie suffered a setback overnight and is still on a ventilator. 

Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator. #AUSTRONG

— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) May 20, 2024

Battie, 22, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition following the shooting. Tommie Battie IV, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said on Monday morning no official updates on the incident would be released today. 

In support of the Battie family, a GoFundMe has been created to help with medical bills and funeral costs. As of Monday afternoon, $62,370 had been raised through 551 donations, with the goal standing at $100,000.