Brian Battie determined to graduate from Auburn as recovery from shooting continues

AUBURN — Auburn football running back Brian Battie likely has "a year of intensive rehab" ahead of him as he continues to recover from being critically injured in a May 18 shooting, but he's "determined to make a full recovery and finish his senior year at Auburn and graduate," his parents wrote in an update Friday.

Battie sustained a gunshot wound to the head in the shooting that also killed his older brother, Tommie Battie IV.

"Brian has held close to Faith over Fear throughout this period of healing, his faith has been nothing short of inspiring," Battie's parents wrote through the family's GoFundMe. "Despite facing challenges that would make many feel discouraged, he has shown unwavering strength and a deep trust in God's plan. Brian is determined to make a full recovery and finish his Senior year at Auburn and graduate. The road ahead is still long, with the Dr.’s suggesting a year of intensive therapy ahead of us."

The GoFundMe has raised nearly $115,000 for the family since the shooting took place. Battie was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital following the incident. He underwent surgery there and spent weeks in the intensive care unit as he recovered. He moved to the intensive rehabilitation facility at the hospital in June, and he "was cleared to eat regular foods with zero restrictions" on June 24.

Battie recently took his first steps since the shooting, using a cane to walk July 16.

"Our family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of financial support that has come our way," Battie's parents also wrote in the latest update. "We are humbled by God’s faithfulness and grace. We trust in God’s continued provision and guidance in every area of our life as we navigate through this tragedy. His name will be glorified forever!

"We want to express our deepest gratitude for all your incredible support during this incredibly challenging time for our family. Your generosity and kindness has been a beacon of hope for us as we grieve the profound loss of our son, Tommie Lee Battie IV and as we are forced to face the ongoing challenges with our other son, Brian Battie’s recovery."

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Full update from Brian Battie's parents on July 26

"Dear Supporters,

"Our family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of financial support that has come our way. We are humbled by God’s faithfulness and grace. We trust in God’s continued provision and guidance in every area of our life as we navigate through this tragedy. His name will be glorified forever!

"We want to express our deepest gratitude for all your incredible support during this incredibly challenging time for our family. Your generosity and kindness has been a beacon of hope for us as we grieve the profound loss of our son, Tommie Lee Battie IV and as we are forced to face the ongoing challenges with our other son, Brian Battie’s recovery.

"Brian has held close to Faith over Fear throughout this period of healing, his faith has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing challenges that would make many feel discouraged, he has shown unwavering strength and a deep trust in God's plan. Brian is determined to make a full recovery and finish his Senior year at Auburn and graduate. The road ahead is still long, with the Dr.’s suggesting a year of intensive therapy ahead of us.

"Please know that every donation, big or small, has made a significant impact on our lives. It has enabled us to provide the best possible care for our son, ensuring he receives the therapies and treatments essential to his healing. Your contributions have lightened our financial burden and allowed us to solely concentrate on what truly matters, Brian’s progress and recovery.

"We understand that times are tough for everyone, and we deeply appreciate all the support you all have provided. Whether it's been through a donation or by sharing our story with your friends and networks. Every bit of help counts, and it means the world to us.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by us during this challenging time. Please continue to keep Brian and our family in your prayers and in your thoughts as he continues to overcome this trauma.

"With heartfelt gratitude,

"Adriene; Tommie Battie"

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: Brian Battie determined to graduate from Auburn as recovery from shooting continues