(Photo credit: Audrey Shaw/ FSView & Florida Flambeau / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Ethan Pritchard, the Florida State freshman linebacker who suffered a gunshot wound to the head six weeks ago, was released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Thursday.

The university announced that Pritchard would be moved to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville to continue his recovery. According to FSU's statement, Pritchard is alert, responsive and able to communicate.

'We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,' the school's statement said.

On Aug. 31, Pritchard was driving and dropping off his aunt and a child after a family party in Havana, Fla. The three were about 16 miles from Tallahassee when he was shot in the back of the head, an incident authorities have described as a case of mistaken identity.

Four arrests were made in September in connection with the incident.

'I am so thankful for everyone who has prayed for my son,' said Earl Pritchard, Ethan's father. 'There have been a lot of ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today.'

Earl Pritchard specifically thanked head football coach Mike Norvell, his coaching staff and the players as well as the hospital and FSU sports medicine staffs and supporters at Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla., where Ethan played.

'Ethan has a long journey ahead of him, but I know he will continue to fight and he will do so with the full support of our FSU and Seminole County families and all who have been impacted by his story.'

--Field Level Media