SARASOTA, Fla. — More than three months after being seriously injured in a shooting that took the life of his brother, Auburn running back Brian Battie left Sarasota Memorial Hospital this week. Social media posts show Battie walking under his own power, something doctors were initially worried he would never be able to do again.
Battie, his 24-year-old brother, and three other people were shot the night of May 18 at a Sarasota strip mall. Tommie Battie IV was pronounced dead at the scene.
A suspect, identified as 28-year-old Darryl Brookins, was arrested a few days later. He is charged with murder; his attorney told local media Brookins intends to plead self-defense.
Brian Battie was initially placed on a ventilator after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Last month, according to his family's GoFundMe page, Battie was able to walk with the aid of a cane. Court documents showed doctors believe Battie would live with "permanent paralysis" as a result of his injuries.
"Words can't express the joy and thankfulness we feel right now," said Battie's mother Adriene Battie, in a message conveyed through the Facebook group Auburn Tigers Fan HQ. "We have witnessed a miracle, and we know it’s because of God’s grace, mercy, and the power of prayer."
Brian Battie transferred to Auburn in January following three seasons with South Florida. He was named an All-American kick returner in 2021.