Auburn running back Brian Battie is moving in a “positive direction” after being severely wounded in a shooting that claimed the life of his older brother, according to his family.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said last month that Battie was on a ventilator after the running back was shot in Sarasota, Fla.
Battie’s older brother, Tommie Battie IV, died in the shooting.
On Wednesday, Brian Battie’s godmothers provided a positive update on a GoFundMe that was created to support the family.
“Brian is still currently in the ICU but we are fortunate to share that on Saturday, Brian was able to give a ‘thumbs up’ to his mom with his left hand and showed movement in his left leg,” the update said.
“The right side of his body had not shown any sign of movement until two days ago, by the grace of God, Brian was able to move his right knee and leg. This news comes as a miracle, but Brian is a fighter and always has been.”
Battie rushed for 227 yards for Auburn last season and was previously an All-American as a kick returner at South Florida.
The GoFundMe had raised more than $107,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
“Brian did have the ventilator removed this morning and needed a tracheotomy,” the health update continued.
“Brian has a long journey ahead of him and the Battie Family continues to need everyone’s support and prayers as they are still grieving the loss of Pooh, while praying Brian’s recovery keeps going in a positive direction. We thank everyone for all of the support, generosity, and prayers that have blessed the Battie family thus far and we pray that it continues to lift them up through is unimaginable tragedy.”
Sarasota police arrested Darryl Bernard Brookins, 28, last month and he has been charged with murder in the shooting.
