Auburn RB Brian Battie able to walk with cane as recovery continues, his family says

Auburn football running back Brian Battie is able to walk with a cane as he continues to recover from being critically injured in a May 18 shooting, his family updated Saturday through a GoFundMe account.

Battie, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, spent weeks in the intensive care unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida. He moved to the intensive rehabilitation facility at the hospital in late June, and he "was cleared to eat regular foods with zero restrictions" on June 24 .

"After facing the immense challenge of rehabbing after his type of brain injury, without knowing if Brian would walk again, he has achieved something incredible," Battie's family said on the GoFundMe. "Brian took his first steps with a cane!!!! Brian told us weeks ago that he would be on his feet by my birthday and he was taking steps with a cane by Tuesday! He believed he could and he DID!

"Witnessing this milestone filled our heart with indescribable happiness and pride. It's a testament to Brian’s unwavering strength, resilience, and determination. This road hasn't been easy, but with each small step forward, he has shown us the power of perseverance and courage."

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Tommie Battie IV, Brian Battie's older brother, was killed in the shooting that took place in Sarasota. Darryl Bernard Brookins Jr. was arrested four days later as a suspect and was charged with murder, attempted murder and as a felon in possession of a firearm. Brookins' girlfriend, Nicole Roberts, was arrested May 31 for allegedly assisting Brookins in discarding the gun .

According to a probable cause affidavit related to Brookins' arrest, video footage from surrounding businesses shows Brookins leaning on the window of a nearby business before the shooting began. The affidavit also states Brian and Tommie Battie are seen "walking towards Brookins." At that point, Brookins "immediately drew a firearm and began shooting" at the brothers. Both Brian and Tommie returned fire, the affidavit says.

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said earlier this month that he gets regular updates from Battie's family, including videos showing his progress: "He is getting better every single day," Freeze said July 2 at an AMBUSH event in Lake Martin. "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."

Battie's family added Saturday: "Dr. (Alexander) Bajorek is AMAZING, we are grateful that Brian was placed under his care in the Intensive Rehab Facility. Dr. (Andrew) Fine, the brain Surgeon who did Brians brain surgery, came to visit Brian yesterday. He sat and talked to Brian and answered some great questions Brian had.

"Brian was in complete awe when he left and thrilled that he was able to meet the man who saved his life. Dr. Fine confirmed that he also believed that God had the final say when the outcome did not seem promising. He did as God instructed him to do and was so happy to to see the miracles of his work in all Brian’s progress."

Full update on Brian Battie from his family's GoFundMe

Here's the full text of the update provided by Brian Battie's family on July 20:

"Updates on Brian!! We are celebrating his courage and determination! Brian is showing daily progress in all areas: Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy!

"I am overjoyed to share an inspiring moment in Brian’s journey. After facing the immense challenge of rehabbing after his type of brain injury, without knowing if Brian would walk again, he has achieved something incredible, Brian took his first steps with a cane!!!! Brian told us weeks ago that he would be on his feet by my birthday and he was taking steps with a cane by Tuesday! He believed he could and he DID!

"Witnessing this milestone filled our heart with indescribable happiness and pride. It's a testament to Brian’s unwavering strength, resilience, and determination. This road hasn't been easy, but with each small step forward, he has shown us the power of perseverance and courage.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Sarasota Memorial who has been a part of his care and recovery journey. Dr. Bajorek is AMAZING, we are grateful that Brian was placed under his care in the Intensive Rehab Facility. Dr. Fine, the brain Surgeon who did Brians brain surgery, came to visit Brian yesterday. He sat and talked to Brian and answered some great questions Brian had. Brian was in complete awe when he left and thrilled that he was able to meet the man who saved his life. Dr. Fine confirmed that he also believed that God had the final say when the outcome did not seem promising. He did as God instructed him to do and was so happy to to see the miracles of his work in all Brian’s progress.

"The ICU team made a special visit this week and continue to touch our hearts each time they show care and concern beyond all they did for Brian in ICU. Words do not seem enough to express my gratitude to Sarasota Memorial for the incredible care and support they provide to our son during his time in the ER to ICU, Trauma step down and now the intensive rehabilitation facility.

"The progress Brian has made under SMH’s care has been nothing short of remarkable. The expertise, patience, and genuine compassion have been instrumental in Brian’s recovery journey. Watching him achieve milestones and regain strength has been a testament to their dedication and skills as Dr’s, nurses and therapist. The therapists ability to connect with him on a personal level and tailor his therapy sessions to his specific needs has made all the difference. Their knowledge, positivity and unwavering belief in his potential have been a source of hope for our family during what has been an extremely challenging time.

"We are beyond thankful for the Dr.’s, medical team, therapists, and all our loved ones who have supported us every step of the way. Your expertise, encouragement, and unwavering belief in his potential have been invaluable.

"To Brian: your bravery and determination continue to inspire us all. This week marks not just a physical achievement but a reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. We celebrate this milestone with hearts full of hope and gratitude for every step forward!!!

"Here's to many more victories and milestones on this journey of healing and growth. Together, we are stronger than any challenge life may bring. Ultimately, God holds the final say in Brian’s medical and physical prognosis.

"#BattieStrong"

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rich_silva18.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn RB Brian Battie able to walk with cane as recovery continues, his family says