Auburn University football player Brian Battie is among the victims injured in a shooting in Sarasota, Florida, on Saturday morning, according to reports.
Deputies were dispatched to a report of a shooting at around 3:30 a.m. that occurred in Sarasota, according to a Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office news release. One person died from their injuries while four other victims were taken to local hospitals.
Tommie Battie IV, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sarasota Herald-Tribute, part of the USA TODAY Network, citing a source familiar with the incident, reported that Brian Battie, 22, a running back at Auburn, was shot and is in critical condition at a local hospital.
An Auburn spokesperson told AL.com on Saturday that the university is aware of the incident and gathering information. Authorities said that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident.
A social media account called “AUFAMILY” which shares news and updates for Auburn students, alumni, and fans posted about the shooting on social media asking for prayers for Brian Battie and his family.
GoFundMe asks for help and support for the Battie family
Curt Bradley, Tommie Battie’s football coach at Braden River High School, was crushed after learning of the incident.
“There are no words that can bring the comfort necessary, but we are a family that believes in the power of prayer,” Bradley said. “We will be praying and believing for Brian to make a full recovery, and for the Battie family to know that Tommie’s impact will be forever felt in this community.”
After three seasons at South Florida during which Brian Battie rushed for 1,842 yards and 10 touchdowns, he transferred to Auburn for the 2023 season. He rushed 51 times for 227 yards and a score, but it was as a kickoff returner that Battie provided his real value. He returned 29 for 645 yards.
A GoFundMe account was created for the Battie family.
“Please help the Battie family. It will take a village to help this family as tragedy hit them early Saturday morning with the passing of one son and fighting for the life of the other,” the post said. “It’s unimaginable they have to try and mourn for one while trying to stay strong and fight for the other.”
Ayobami Olugbemiga, a GoFundMe spokesperson, confirmed that Brian’s brother’s name is Tommie.
“Let’s help relieve some burden from this amazing family who didn’t deserve this tragedy. Please keep praying for Brian as he is still fighting for his life. #21strong,” the GoFundMe post added.
According to the GoFundMe account, the family raised $22,337 of their $100,000 goal.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-8477.
Contributing: Doug Fernandes, Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).