Auburn’s running back Brian Battie found himself caught in a tragic turn of events over the weekend when he became a victim of a shooting, as confirmed by a school representative to Brian Stultz of Rivals.
The spokesperson conveyed, “We are cognizant of the situation and are actively gathering information.”
Per information from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, relayed by ABC 7, Battie’s brother, Tommie L. Battie IV, was declared deceased at the scene of the shooting.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday in Battie’s hometown of Sarasota, Florida, resulting in four individuals, including Battie himself, being rushed to the hospital.
Battie, currently a junior, made the transition to Auburn from South Florida before the commencement of the 2023 season. His primary role revolved around kick returning, where he tallied 645 yards across 29 attempts during the previous year, earning him the fifth spot in the SEC for kick return average. Additionally, he contributed 227 rushing yards and secured a touchdown from 51 carries.
His standout performance in the backfield occurred during his tenure with South Florida in 2022, amassing 1,186 rushing yards along with eight touchdowns.
Notably, Battie demonstrated prowess in kick returns during the 2021 season, accumulating 650 yards and executing three kick returns for touchdowns. His exceptional display in this capacity garnered him recognition as an All-American.
This unfortunate incident casts a shadow over Battie’s promising athletic career, with the focus now shifting from his achievements on the field to his well-being and recovery from this tragic event. The Auburn community, along with Battie’s supporters, stands in solidarity during this challenging time, hoping for his swift recuperation and seeking closure for the profound loss suffered by his family.
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