Dec 31, 2018; Annapolis, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) and quarterback Hayden Moore (8) and quarterback John Keller (16) pose with the Military Bowl Championship trophy after the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Central Michigan QB John Keller out of hospital after shooting

Central Michigan quarterback John Keller was released from the hospital on Friday, nearly four weeks after being shot in the chest.

Keller was shot after a fight broke out at an off-campus party in Mount Pleasant, Mich., early April 24 and transported by helicopter to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, about 90 miles away.

“Very thankful to be heading home today,” he tweeted. “First, I have to thank god and I want to thank all of you for the prayers and support as they have been answered on this tough road. Thank you Hurley for saving my life. Blessed”

His stay in the hospital included being placed on a ventilator and several days in the intensive care unit.

Kenneth Thomas, 21, of Detroit, was arrested April 27 and charged with 10 felony counts, including two counts of assault with intent to murder. It is alleged that after he was asked to leave the party he retrieved a gun from a vehicle, then returned to the apartment and fired multiple times.

Keller, of North Canton, Ohio, began his college career at Cincinnati before transferring to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. He announced his commitment to Central Michigan in January 2020 and sat out last season due to NCAA requirements. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Fellow student Tyler Bunting was shot in his side and was released from the hospital earlier.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; General view of the Central Michigan Chippewas helmet before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Arrest made in shooting of Central Michigan QB

An arrest was made in the weekend shooting of Central Michigan quarterback John Keller, who remains in critical but stable condition at a Michigan hospital.

Kenneth Thomas, 21, of Detroit, was arrested Tuesday and arraigned Wednesday in Isabella County on 10 felony counts, including two counts of assault with intent to murder, according to mlive.com.

The charges stem from an incident early Saturday at an apartment complex in Union Township, Mich., where CMU football players were having a party.

A fight apparently broke out after a group that included Thomas was kicked out of the party. Witnesses told police that Thomas returned to a vehicle and retrieved a gun and fired multiple times into the apartment, according to the criminal complaint.

Keller, 20, was shot in the chest. He was airlifted to a hospital in Flint and his condition is said to be improving, per an update to a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical costs.

“John continues to fight for his life at Hurley Medical Center and prayers are needed now more than ever,” said Lauren Rhodes, who organized the GoFundMe account. “John took heroic actions to prevent (the assailant) from entering into the building to shoot other individuals. John is a hero and he deserves our support and prayers during this time.”

Keller, of North Canton, Ohio, began his college career at Cincinnati before transferring to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. He announced his commitment to Central Michigan in January 2020 and sat out last season due to NCAA requirements. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Fellow student Tyler Bunting, 23, was shot in his side and is expected to be released from the hospital soon, Sheriff Mike Main told reporters.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; General view of the Central Michigan Chippewas helmet before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Central Michigan QB in critical condition after shooting

Central Michigan quarterback John Keller is hospitalized in critical condition after being shot at a party, police said.

Keller, 20, was shot in the chest after a fight broke out at an off-campus party in Mount Pleasant, Mich., at about 1 a.m. local time Saturday, according to the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

Keller was transported by helicopter to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Mich., and is “fighting for his life,” according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family to help with medical expenses.

A second person was also wounded during the shooting, according to authorities. No suspects had been identified or apprehended as of Sunday morning.

Keller, of North Canton, Ohio, began his college career at Cincinnati before transferring to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. He announced his commitment to Central Michigan in January 2020 and sat out last season due to NCAA requirements. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

–Field Level Media