Three months after being involved in a shooting that resulted in the death of his brother Tommie, Auburn running back Brian Battie has been released from the hospital, according to a Facebook post from JJ Thomas.
Brian’s mother, Adriene Battie, expressed immense gratitude and joy in a recent update: “Today was a special day that we will never forget. With hearts full of gratitude and praise, we watched Brian walk out of the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Words can’t express the joy and thankfulness we feel right now. We have witnessed a miracle, and we know it’s because of God’s grace, mercy, and the power of prayer.”
Initially, there were concerns that Battie might face permanent paralysis. By July, he had made progress, taking his first steps with the help of a cane, according to a Go Fund Me update.
Brian Battie has been released from the hospital. God is Good!!! pic.twitter.com/mpydHaIojS
— RickyBooby (@RickyBoobyAU) August 24, 2024
The Battie family later reported that he would eventually recover fully and return to Auburn to complete his degree. Adriene Battie further commented, “We are in awe of His goodness and the miraculous recovery that has unfolded before our eyes. Thank you to EVERYONE who has been praying with us, standing with us, and believing with us. Today, we celebrate a miracle and give all the glory to God!”
Photos shared in the Facebook update show Battie in an orange Auburn shirt as he left the hospital. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has maintained regular contact with Battie and his family, expressing his support.
Freeze commented in a statement included in a Montgomery Advertiser article by Rich Silva: “I text with them almost daily. I get videos from them daily. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He is getting better every single day. He does have a road ahead of him that’s challenging. But praise to God that he’s OK right now — he’s alive and he’s recovering. And we’re thankful for that.”
