The family of Auburn University football player Bryan Batty has given a second upbeat update on his health, weeks after a shooting that left his brother dead and injured.
Bhatti has been moved out of intensive care and into the next stage of his recovery in trauma care, his family shared on a GoFundMe page.
“He's made great progress this week and is communicating more,” the family said.
“He's smiling, laughing, and saying things. His favorite words right now are brother and Tommy. Yesterday he was able to write his own name…”
Tommy was Brian's younger brother and was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting on May 18th.
“…we ask all prayer warriors to continue to pray for Brian's recovery and complete healing from the top of his head to the soles of his feet!” the family added.
“Our son still has a long road to recovery, but we are exploring all options to best serve him: rehabilitation care for his traumatic brain injury. We pray that God will guide our steps as we advocate and research what is best for our son.”
According to court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, it was feared Batey could suffer lifelong paralysis as a result of the shooting.
However, reports from his family paint a more optimistic picture of the future of his condition.
The suspect in the shooting, Darryl Brookins, turned himself in to authorities in Sarasota County, Florida, and was charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Brookins' lawyer said his client was acting in self-defense.
Battie served as Auburn's primary kick return specialist last year while also providing secondary snaps at the running back position.
He ranked fifth in the SEC with a 23-yard return average and recorded 49 yards per kick return on special teams.
Battie rushed for 227 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries as Auburn's backup tailback last year.
Prior to enrolling at Auburn, Baty spent three seasons at USF where he was named an All-American in 2021 and was named to the AAC second team the following year after rushing for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns.
Battie rushed for 1,842 yards and 10 touchdowns at USF before transferring to Auburn University.
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