Brian Battie suffers setback in recovery, according to Auburn coach

In a May 20 message on social platform X, Hugh Freeze said Battie is still on a ventilator following a May 18 shooting in Sarasota.

By Ryan Kohn
| 3:10 p.m. May 20, 2024

Former Sarasota High running back Brian Battie remains on a ventilator after being shot May 18, according to Auburn University Head Coach Hugh Freeze.

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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.

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Ryan Kohn

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for Sarasota and East County and a Missouri School of Journalism graduate. He was born and raised in Olney, Maryland. His biggest inspirations are Wright Thompson and Alex Ovechkin. His strongest belief is that mint chip ice cream is unbeatable.