Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie is in critical condition after a shooting in Florida that killed his brother, Tommie Battie IV, according to multiple reports.
The 22-year-old college football star was shot and killed early Saturday morning in a Sarasota parking lot.
His 24-year-old brother was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, while Brian was transported to a local hospital.
Four other people were injured in the crossfire and were transported to hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Officers who responded to the incident “observed a large crowd with multiple gunshot victims in the parking lot,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie in critical condition after Florida shooting
He was transported to a local hospital after the shooting that killed his older brother.
Authorities said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, although the origin of the violence has not been revealed.
Brian rushed for 1,842 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in three seasons playing at South Florida.
He transferred to Auburn for the 2023 season and rushed 51 times for 227 yards and a touchdown.
“He was just a tough kid. And he really cared about his teammates,” his former coach said.
It’s still unclear what sparked the incident that occurred early Saturday morning in a Sarasota parking lot.
One of Brian’s high school football coaches told the Sarasota Herald-Tribute that he was “the most talented player he ever coached.”
“He was a two-time All-American in college. You don’t find that too often. He had an incredible explosion,” Brody Wiseman told the outlet on Sunday.
“His ability to accelerate was better than anyone I’ve seen. He could cut in no time. And he was a really hard worker. I think a lot of people missed that,” the Sailors offensive coordinator added.
“He was just a tough kid. And he really cared about his teammates. He never acted like he was more important than anyone else. On the pitch, he had great vision. He would see a hole and hit it a million miles an hour, and it would disappear. I’ve never seen anyone face him one-on-one. It was always the second and third guy.