Football Star's Miraculous Survival in Birmingham

"Thank God he's alive!" That's how Brian Carter described his son Ethan's unbelievable escape after being shot seven times at point-blank range during a trip to Birmingham for football training.

Snapchat Deal Turns Deadly

Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old Michigan football phenom and recent Hudsonville High grad, was ambushed on a Saturday evening. Police say a gun purchase arranged via Snapchat went horribly wrong. The deal for a Glock firearm allegedly became a robbery, leaving Carter fighting for his life.

"I Actually Got Shot"

Carter told ABC10 that he realized he'd been shot when he saw blood pouring down. "It almost felt like someone had thrown really hard, knockout punches at me," he said. He was hit twice in the head, plus his chest, hands, bicep, and neck. Docs said it was a miracle he survived, considering the suspect fired 24 times from just five feet away!

Neighbors to the Rescue

After being shot, Carter ran from his car and collapsed on a lawn. Thankfully, neighbors like Kory Jackson and her family rushed to his aid, using towels to stop the bleeding and staying with him until paramedics arrived. "We grabbed the towels. I placed it on his head; I placed it on his neck, and my fiancé stayed right by his side," Jackson said.

Police Warn of Social Media Firearm Deals

Birmingham PD is urging folks to NEVER buy firearms off the street or through social media. They say these transactions are super dangerous and often lead to violence. Always use licensed dealers for your safety and everyone else's!

Back Home and Recovering

Carter was released from UAB Hospital and is back in Michigan, recovering. He's grateful to be alive and credits his faith. "I'm just thankful for God about the whole situation – that I'm fine," he said. "Even though it was a dark path, I know that I can trust in God that he'll help me through things."

The suspects fled in Carter's car, which was later found torched. No arrests have been made yet.