SARASOTA, Fla. — Brian Battie, the Auburn football player critically injured in a shooting that also killed his brother, Tommie Battie IV, in Sarasota is making steps toward recovery, his relatives said on his GoFundMe page.
In an update, Brian's godmothers Kelli Raynes and Tanya Babinksi said he is "showing daily progress in all areas" through physical, occupational and speech therapy and even took his first steps with a cane.
"I am overjoyed to share an inspiring moment in Brian’s journey," the godmothers stated in the update. "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!"
As of 4:15 p.m. Saturday, July 20, Brian's GoFundMe page has raised $112,967 of its $250,000 goal.
Brian Battie was left on a ventilator after the shooting took place on May 18. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a strip mall at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday, finding a large crowd and multiple shooting victims in the parking lot, the Associated Press reported.
The office said in a statement that Tommie L. Battie IV was pronounced dead at the scene. Four others, who weren't named, were taken to hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The suspect in the shooting, 28-year-old Darryl Brookins, was arrested Wednesday, May 22 with help from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said in a news release at the time.
Brian's godmothers expressed gratitude toward several figures helping in his recovery, including two doctors and staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
"The progress Brian has made under SMH’s care has been nothing short of remarkable," the godmothers stated. "The expertise, patience, and genuine compassion have been instrumental in Brian’s recovery journey."
The godmothers ended the update by telling Brian that his "bravery and determination continue to inspire us all."
